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Energy Component, Comprehensive Plan Town of New Shoreham, Rhode Island
Adopted by the New Shoreham Town Council, June 4, 2012
Addendum to the New Shoreham Comprehensive Plan, as updated March 2, 2009
As prepared by the Island Energy Plan Committee, established January 2010
New Shoreham Comprehensive Plan, Energy Component
June 4, 2012
Addendum to the Comprehensive Plan, as updated March 2, 2009
Prepared by:
Island Energy Committee
Peter Baute, Committee Chair, Town Council
Sam Bird, Citizen Representative
Scott Comings, The Nature Conservancy
Kevin Hoyt, Planning Board
Kenneth Lacoste, Town Council
Barbara MacMullan, Electric Utility Task Group
Millie McGinnes, Deputy Town Clerk
David Simmons, Water Superintendent, Block Island Water Company
John Warfel, Citizen Representative
Jane Weidman, AICP, Town Planner
With input by:
Ray Boucher, Superintendent, Block Island Water Pollution Control Facility
Sean McGarry, Block Island Recycling Management
Marc Tillson, Building Official
Adopted by:
New Shoreham Planning Board, April 11, 2012
Margie Comings, Chair, Norris Pike, Vice-Chair
Mary Anderson, Sam Bird, Socha Cohen, Dennis Heinz, Sven Risom
Jennifer Brady-Brown, Land Use Administrator
New Shoreham Town Council, June 4, 2012
Kimberley Gaffett, First Warden, Ray Torrey, Second Warden
Peter Baute, Kenneth Lacoste, Richard Martin
Nancy O. Dodger, Town Manager
Approved by:
RI Department of Administration, Division of Planning, September 10, 2012
Energy Component of the New Shoreham Comprehensive Plan
Table of Contents Page
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Island Energy Plan Committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Planning Board Review and Public Participation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
PLAN APPROACH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Vision Statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Block Island Energy Actions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION . . . . . . . 5 Background. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Block Island Power Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Electricity Supply and Fuel Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Distribution System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Alternatives for the Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Goals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Implementing Actions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
FUEL USE ON BLOCK ISLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Background. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Fuel Oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Propane Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Gasoline and Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Goals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Implementing Actions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
SOLID WASTE PROCESSING ON BLOCK ISLAND. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Background. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Generation and Disposal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Recycling and Options for the Future. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Implementing Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
WATER USE ON BLOCK ISLAND. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Water Supply and Sewage Disposal System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Water Consumption and Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Sewage Disposal Volume and Cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Sludge Disposal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Composting and Options for the Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Implementing Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
RENEWABLE ENERGY USE ON BLOCK ISLAND. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Background. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Wind Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Solar Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Wind Energy Proposals and Options for the Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Off-Shore Wind Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
On-Island Municipal Wind Turbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Implementing Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS
ON BLOCK ISLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Municipal Building Energy Audits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Residential Energy Audits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Implementing Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
LOCAL AND STATE ENERGY REGULATIONS AND POLICIES. . . 40 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Local Zoning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
State Energy Program and Policies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
State Energy Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Implementing Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
BUILDING DESIGN AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . . . . . . . 44
Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
State and Local Building and Energy Conservation Codes. . . . . . . . . 44
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Program . . . . . . . . 45
LEED and Energy Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
LEED for Neighborhood Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Building Options for the Future. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Implementing Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
ENERGY PLAN IMPLEMENTING ACTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
TABLES
1. Annual Electricity Costs by Sector Fiscal Year 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. Solid Waste Volumes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3. Block Island Water Company Users 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4. Block Island Water Rates, Fiscal Year 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5. Sewage Treatment Plant Flows, 2005 – 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6. Block Island Sewer Rates, Fiscal Year 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
7. Sewage Treatment Plant Generator Fuel Costs, 2006 – 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . 23
8. Sewage Treatment Plant Sludge Disposal, Fiscal Year 2005 – 2010. . . . . . 24
APPENDICES
Appendix A; Block Island Electric Rates January 2008 – December 2009
Appendix B; EUTG Analysis of Public Ownership of BI Power Company (January 2008
PowerPoint Presentation)
Appendix C; Summary of Gasification Technology
Appendix D; Town of New Shoreham Electrical Energy Use and Cost FY 2009 – FY 2011
Appendix E; International Green Construction Code Electives
Photo Credits:
Page 8; Don Thimble
Page 21; David Simmons
Page 33; Deepwater Wind, LLC
Cover photo and all others; Jane Weidman
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 1
INTRODUCTION
As with many communities in Rhode Island, New England and across the country, Block Island
has begun to plan for its energy future. International and national events related to exploration
for and dependence on fossil fuels, global climate change, and shifts in both government and
citizen outlook in terms of energy use and impacts have all coalesced to focus renewed attention
on the issues of consumption and conservation. Block Island is uniquely subject to these forces.
On one hand, it truly is an island unto itself, dependent on a single company for electricity, with
among the highest rates in the nation, and a physical separation that leaves its residents
dependent on outside sources for travel to and from the island. On the other hand, it is situated
in a coastal area with generous wind resources. Life on the island is infused with a sense of self-
reliance, a strong conservation ethic and sensitivity to the environment.
Block Island has struggled with the possibility of both off-shore wind farms within view of the
island, and an on-island utility-sized wind turbine. It is no surprise that there are varying
opinions among residents and property owners and visitors regarding what the development of
these wind facilities will mean to the quality of life on the island. This has led the community to
at least one consensus – the need to comprehensively plan for an energy future by developing a
plan which addresses alternative energy sources, including wind and solar, recognizes the role
conventional sources will continue to play, and explores the gains that can be made through
efficiency and conservation. The plan must look beyond the use of fossil fuel for electricity and
heating purposes by also considering energy issues related to water usage, solid waste handling
and transportation.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 2
Island Energy Plan Committee
During discussions over the role of wind energy in Block Island’s future, it was noted that the
Services and Facilities chapter of the Comprehensive Plan included a specific Implementing
Action – that the Town undertake studies and adopt an updated island energy plan as an element
of the Comprehensive Plan. The energy plan should include an analysis of all reasonable and
available energy supply and conservation options. As a result, the New Shoreham Town Council
worked with the Planning Board in late 2009 and early 2010 to establish an Island Energy
Committee. The charge of the committee, as determined by its membership, is to:
1. Establish an Energy Component to the Town of New Shoreham’s Comprehensive Plan.
2. Consider, evaluate, and recommend to the Town Council a series of interventions and
programs which would allow Block Island to become more sustainable with regard to
energy uses.
Planning Board Review and Public Participation
The plan that follows represents the work of the Island Energy Plan Committee, with review and
input by the Planning Board and the community. The committee completed the draft document
in July 2011. In a series of both regular monthly and special meetings in late 2011 and early
2012, the Planning Board reviewed and updated the plan. The Planning Board adopted the plan
at a public hearing held on April 11, 2012. This was followed by review by the Town Council,
who adopted the energy plan as an addendum to the New Shoreham Comprehensive Plan at a
public hearing held on June 4, 2012.
THE PLAN APPROACH
Vision Statement
The vision for Block Island’s Energy Future is as follows:
To grow and evolve as a community
while reducing energy consumption and
cost through conservation and efficiency;
reducing dependence on fossil fuels to
improve the environment and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions; increasing use
of solar, wind and other renewables, both
individually and collectively; and
maintaining and improving the high
quality of life on the island by working
as a community to support energy
efficient land uses and lifestyles.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 3
Block Island Energy Actions
The island energy plan is truly a plan of plans. It addresses subjects that range from energy
sources, both conventional and renewable, to waste reduction and conservation, to regulation and
building design. Each subject is contained within a separate section of the plan that includes a
background, alternatives and goals. Each section concludes with specific implementing actions
for the Town and other parties to proceed with as Block Island undertakes a new energy future.
These implementing actions, listed below, are all intended to meet one or more of the following
four general goals as contained in the Vision Statement:
Promote conservation and efficiency in energy use
Reduce dependence on fossil fuels
Increase use of alternative energy sources
Support energy efficient land uses and lifestyles
The energy actions are detailed in a table at the end of this document, which also identifies
responsible parties, funding options and timeframe.
Electric Power Generation and Distribution
1. Continue to actively pursue public non-profit ownership of the power plant
2. Investigate options for a cost effective cable to the mainland, thereby eliminating the
need for the power plant (except as back-up)
3. Make use of alternative energy technology
4. Supplement the energy supply with community sized municipal turbine(s) and additional
solar PV
5. Upgrade the capacity of the electric distribution system
6. Adjust the rate structure and explore other options to encourage conservation
Fuel Use
1. Explore the adoption of a town ordinance that prohibits covenants restricting the use of
on-site renewables by homeowners associations
2. Reconsider the establishment of a jitney serving island visitors during the summer
Solid Waste
1. Adjust the commercial fees for disposal at the transfer station to encourage recycling
2. Identify ways to facilitate recycling
3. Explore the use of other waste disposal technologies.
4. Consider alternate locations for the transfer station.
Water Use
1. Offset the energy costs of the water and sewer plants by establishing on-site renewables
2. Establish a water conservation education program
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 4
3. Evaluate the feasibility of an on- island composting demonstration project using yard
waste with sludge from the treatment plant
4. Pursue a regional composting facility with other Washington County communities
Renewable Energy Use
1. Complete a feasibility study for the establishment of one or more municipal turbines to
connect with the on-island electrical distribution system
2. Establish renewable energy systems at the water and sewer plants and at all feasible
municipal locations
3. Support biodiesel production by allowing biodiesel producers to provide a waste
collection bin for edible oils at the transfer station
4. Encourage use of residential bulk purchasing for PV and solar hot water systems
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Efforts
1. Complete the town building audits and make necessary improvements
2. Establish an on-going residential educational program
Local and State Energy Regulations
1. Amend the zoning ordinance to reflect current technology for individual and utility
WECS*
2. Amend zoning and other town ordinances with respect to renewables, as needed
3. Establish net metering requirements that apply to Block Island
Building Design and Sustainable Development
1. Establish incentives for energy efficient construction using the IECC** and IGCC***
standards
2. Adopt IGCC standards for use on Block Island
3. Establish incentives for green buildings through the town development (zoning and
subdivision) regulations
* WECS = Wind Energy Conversion Systems
** IECC = International Energy Conservation Code
*** IGCC = International Green Construction Code
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 5
ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION
Background
Block Island Power Company
Electricity on Block Island is provided by one company, Block Island Power Company (BIPCO),
using exclusively diesel-fired generators. BIPCO is a privately held company with four owners.
It is a regulated utility subject to the oversight of the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission
(PUC) but exempt from the competitive initiatives introduced on the mainland due to the
geographic isolation of its electric power generation and distribution system.
BIPCO serves approximately 1,780 customers, three-quarters of which are residential. The
largest single customer is the Town of New Shoreham. Annual generation is approximately 11
million kilowatt hours.
Electricity Supply and Fuel Use
BIPCO’s generation plant consists of five diesel generators with a total capacity of 7 megawatts.
Peak demand is approximately 4 MW, but in winter months when the population is at its lowest,
demand falls to less than 1 MW. This seasonal disparity is one of the challenges faced by
BIPCO; it must maintain sufficient capacity to meet peak summer demand while running just a
single generator in the winter months.
Electricity generation is the largest single energy consumer on the island; the use of diesel fuel to
run the generators at the power plant is in the range of 1,000,000 gallons per year, or about one
hundred 10,000 gallon tank trucks transported to the island each year by ferry (source: BI Power
Company). This volume cannot be significantly reduced without a specific change in generation
source and/or construction of an undersea transmission cable to connect with the mainland
electric grid. The handling and storage of this volume of fuel carries the risk of a mishap that
could jeopardize the island’s aquifer, its sole water source, as well as marine life and other
natural resources.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 6
Electricity prices on Block Island are among the highest in the country due to the small size of
the system, reliance on diesel as a fuel source, transportation costs, seasonal demand swings and
isolation from the grid. For fiscal year 2009, prices averaged 49 cents per kilowatt hour,
compared with an average mainland price of 15 cents/kWh. The electricity price on the island is
highly sensitive to national fuel prices. For example, in the summer of 2008 when crude oil
prices spiked to nearly $150 a barrel, electricity prices rose to approximately 62 cents/kWh on
Block Island, compared to a mainland price of 18 cents/kWh; see Appendix A. This price
volatility will continue to be a problem on Block Island so long as diesel remains the sole
generation fuel.
Total annual costs and costs/kWh by user category (sector) are summarized in the table below:
Table 1
Annual Electricity Costs by Sector
Fiscal Year 2009
Number of kWh Electricity Costs Cost/
Customer Class Customers Usage Non-Fuel Fuel Total kWh
Residential 1,361 4,039,964 864,717 1,107,852 1,972,569 0.4883
Small Commercial 328 1,452,229 300,129 427,519 727,648 0.5011
Commercial 92 3,869,821 865,514 1,111,136 1,976,650 0.5108
Public* 31 982,652 160,281 232,228 392,509 0.3994
Total 1,812 10,344,666 2,190,640 2,878,736 5,069,376 0.4900
* Includes the Town of New Shoreham and all other public and non-profit users
As shown in Table 1, in fiscal year 2009 the non-fuel cost to generate electricity was
approximately $2.2 million while the fuel cost was approximately $2.9 million. This translates
to a non-fuel cost of 21 cents/kWh and a fuel cost of 28 cents/kWh, meaning that nearly 60% of
costs are fuel-related. However, fuel costs vary in direct proportion to oil prices and from 2008
to 2010 ranged from 20 cents/kWh to 40 cents/kWh.
The use of diesel fuel as the generation source also requires significant emissions controls to
meet current EPA requirements, as well as the transport of urea to the island, which poses its
own environmental risk. Despite federal regulations, diesel generators will always be a source of
carbon emissions, a contributor to global climate change.
Distribution System
The distribution system consists of six 2.4 kilovolt circuits with about fifty miles of lines, the
majority of which are overhead lines. The distribution system on Block Island is outdated and
inefficient, resulting in large line losses, frequent power supply interruptions, brownouts and
damage to appliances and equipment. The system requires upgrading to provide more reliable
service. A study prepared by CHA, Inc. (“Block Island Power Company 2009 Voltage
Conversion”, August 2009) examined the costs and benefits of upgrading the distribution system
to a 4.16 kV system. The benefits would be twofold: reliability would improve, reducing
brownouts and concomitant damage to electronic equipment and line losses would be minimized,
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 7
reducing the amount of fuel consumed. The most recent estimate of the cost of such an upgrade
was $3.6 million, which would add approximately $250,000 per year to costs, or approximately
2.5 cents/kWh to rates. Whether or not generation options change (i.e., cable to the mainland,
installation of renewable generation), the distribution system must be upgraded.
The study only evaluated the costs of a higher voltage system, but not adding “smart” technology
into the grid, or placing the distribution system underground. Smart Grid technology, a
monitoring and feedback system, would allow the power provider to respond to changes in
seasonal demand by reducing electrical generation in the winter months. A Smart Grid system
operates within a rate structure that increases rates during periods of peak usage, providing an
incentive for the consumer to moderate usage by season and time of day. However, because the
current rates do not vary according to demand, implementation of the Smart Grid technology
would be challenging.
Placing the distribution system underground also protects viewsheds, keeps utilities out of the
high wind, ice and corrosive salt of the island environment, thereby reducing long term
maintenance, and decreases the need for tree trimming. Because placing utilities underground is
costly, areas with prime viewsheds should be given priority.
Alternatives for the Future
Numerous studies have been undertaken searching for solutions to the high cost, fossil fuel-based
electric generating system on Block Island. These include a cable to the mainland, alternative
(renewable) energy generation, particularly wind and solar power, and investment in energy
efficiency and conservation. None of the recommendations of these studies have been
implemented, in part because of the high costs associated with them, and the few customers from
which those costs can be recovered. An additional factor is that under the current ownership
structure of the power company, there is little incentive to invest in energy conservation or
alternative generation in order to lower electricity prices. This is because all costs are directly
passed on to the customers. Therefore, consideration has also been given to public or non-profit
ownership of the company, which would align the interests of the owners with the ratepayers,
and provide the proper incentives to make investments that would lower electricity rates.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 8
Decisions about generation alternatives are more complex. Alternatives such as a cable to the
mainland would reduce the fuel cost component of rates, but not the non-fuel cost components.
Using 2010 figures, Block Island would purchase electricity from the mainland at costs that
would be in the range of 10 cents/kWh, which would be added to non-fuel costs of 21
cents/kWh. Not including the cost of the cable, total costs would be in the range of 30
cents/kWh. Based on the estimated cost of a cable in all of the studies done to date (between $20
and $45 million), the expense of the cable would be greater than the savings if Block Island
customers alone bear the cost. Therefore, unless there is some subsidy or cost-sharing beyond
Block Island, it is unlikely that installing a cable would lower costs on Block Island. Renewable
generation options, such as wind and solar, have lower costs than diesel generation and would
help lower overall electric rates. Due to their intermittent nature, without facilities for storage
they cannot be relied upon to meet all of the island’s power needs; however, a 1998 study by the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (US Department of Energy) concluded that with a mix
of renewables, conservation and energy efficiency improvements, diesel generation could be
reduced to 5% of total electric power generation.
Goals
While a centralized system of electric energy production will always be necessary, there are two
specific goals that the Energy Plan endorses for Block Island:
1. Reduce and/or eliminate dependence on the Block Island Power Company diesel generators;
and
2. Improve the efficiency and operation of the distribution system.
As stated in the Background section, the million gallons of diesel fuel used per year to run the
power plant generators is the largest single example of energy consumption on the island, as well
as the reason Block Island pays among the highest electricity rates in the nation. From both an
environmental and economic stand point, the island must either reduce its dependence on the
generators through alternative sources of energy production (renewables), or eliminate the
generators altogether (except as a back-up) by construction of an undersea cable to connect the
island to the mainland grid.
In addition, the distribution lines must be upgraded to provide increased reliability and greater
efficiency by reducing line losses, an environmental as well as economic concern.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 9
Implementing Actions
1. Continue to actively pursue public non-profit ownership of the power company.
The Town has considered public, non-profit ownership of the electric company, either through a
municipal utility, an electric co-op, or a not-for-profit corporation. Under these scenarios, the
ratepayers would be the “owners” of the company. Under the current ownership structure, there
is no incentive for the company to make investments in energy conservation or alternative energy
generation because as a regulated utility, all costs, including a return on investment, are passed
to, and paid for by, ratepayers. Under public ownership, savings would flow directly to the
“owners”, adding an incentive to invest in lower cost generating alternatives. In addition, public
ownership would reduce costs by eliminating taxes and profits paid to owners.
The Electric Utility Task Group (EUTG), which was created by the Town of New Shoreham to
evaluate the costs and benefits of public, non-profit ownership, concluded that acquisition of the
power company would reduce rates by 3 to 4 cents per kWh in the short term, and open the way
for longer-term reductions as well (see Appendix B). Initial efforts by the EUTG, negotiating on
behalf of the Town to purchase the power company, were unsuccessful. However, because
public ownership is so closely linked with future energy efficiency and use of alternative energy
sources, efforts to reach an agreement with BIPCO remain a priority for the community.
2. Investigate options for a cost-effective cable to the mainland, thereby eliminating the need
for the power plant (except as back-up).
There have been numerous attempts over the years to install a cable, and none have been
successful. The costs of constructing the cable are so high, it is not economically feasible if the
costs are borne only by Block Island ratepayers. Estimated costs of a cable range from $20 to
$45 million. Even at the lower cost, if the expense were borne solely by Block Island customers,
it would result in higher electric prices, not lower.
The proposed Deepwater Wind project, as described in the Renewable Energy Use section of this
document, would result in the construction of a cable from Block Island to the mainland to carry
the energy from the wind farm to the power grid serving the entire state (with a separate cable
connecting the wind farm to Block Island). The wind farm would supply all of Block Island’s
electrical energy needs on an annualized basis. It would replace the existing diesel generators,
eliminating the use and transport of approximately one million gallons of diesel fuel annually.
By connecting Block Island with the mainland grid, the energy component of the island’s electric
bills would be based on the wholesale price of electricity on the mainland, which would lower
electricity rates by 30% on average, and result in more stable rates. Current rates are based
solely on the cost of diesel fuel; when oil prices increase, the energy component of the electricity
rates increases proportionately, resulting in large swings in the price of electricity. This is in
contrast to the mainland where oil-based generation is a small component of overall generation,
and electricity prices do not change as dramatically when oil prices rise. The project would also
allocate the cost of the cable across all electric customers, on the mainland as well as on Block
Island.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 10
3. Make use of alternative energy technology.
The fuel costs associated with diesel generation are hazardous to the island’s economy.
Commercial enterprises, particularly hotels and inns, face a major handicap in competing with
resorts in other prime locations. The year-round grocery also faces an enormous utility cost,
which it must pass on to its customers, both islanders and visitors. The rising cost of electricity
for year-round citizens makes life on Block Island even more expensive.
In the absence of a cable to the mainland, the island must consider other options. It can continue
to be dependent on diesel, or it can make a concerted effort to make use of available renewable
options. These options have been studied in the past, and the recommendations are as valid
today. According to the 1998 study completed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
(“Preliminary Analysis of Block Island Power Company’s Use of Clean Distributed Resources to
Provide Power To Its Customers”), for less than the estimated cost of the cable, a system based
on renewable energy, distributed generation and energy efficiency, would reduce the use of
diesel to less than 5% of total generation.
The NREL study recommended a renewable system
consisting of wind, photovoltaic and cogeneration, with diesel
supplementation. The system described would have had a
capital cost of $8,000,000, substantially less than the cost of
the cable estimated by Booth and Associates at that time. A
2007 study by HDR Engineering, Inc., (“Block Island Power
Company Electric Resource Planning Study”), addressed the
cost of a cable compared to diesel generation; this study
similarly concluded that a combination of wind and diesel
generation would be more economic than installation of a
cable to the mainland. Solar and wind systems at the North Light
The Electric Utility Task Group has studied these
recommendations, with a particular focus on the transfer of
ownership of the power company from private corporate
ownership to a rate-payer owned utility, either quasi-
municipal, or a cooperative, as discussed above.
Replacement of diesel generation with renewable sources is
less likely under the present utility ownership structure. The
EUTG also examined the costs of wind and solar and
concluded, as have the earlier studies, that introducing
renewable power into the existing system will lower overall
electricity costs.
While some specific efforts are described under the Renewable Energy Use section of this
document, a recommendation of this section is to build on the research that has been done and to
implement a municipal policy of actively seeking alternatives to diesel generated electricity.
This includes monitoring advances in wind, solar and other renewable energy technology in
order to find the best solution for Block Island.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 11
4. Supplement the energy supply with community sized municipal turbine(s) and additional
solar PV.
With its remarkable wind energy resources (see Renewable Energy Use section), the Town
should pursue plans to develop a municipal turbine (or turbines), assuming such a facility is
technically, environmentally and economically feasible. The wind facility must be sized
according to the ability of the existing distribution system to absorb the wind generated
electricity, and at a scale compatible with the island. Additional solar PV should be installed as
well, as solar PV complements wind by providing more generation in the summer when wind
power output is lower. These options, which could occur in partnership with a private entity,
should be pursued under any future scenario (with or without a cable to the mainland).
5. Upgrade of the capacity of the electric distribution system.
The need to upgrade the distribution system has been thoroughly documented in this plan.
Upgrading the system should take place regardless of whether the island is connected to the
mainland via cable, or continues to rely on on-island generation sources. Benefits to ratepayers
in terms of reduced line loss and reliable power will outweigh the costs of the upgrade. Potential
benefits from a Smart Grid (see below) and placing lines underground should also be evaluated.
6. Adjust the rate structure and explore other options to encourage conservation.
Electricity consumption can be reduced by designing electric rates so that customers have the
incentive to reduce use when costs are highest. Block Island has a relatively simple rate design
to accomplish this, with rates higher in the summer than the off-season. In large electric
systems, where the cost of generating electricity varies with demand, “time of day” rates are
enacted to encourage conservation and keep costs down. Rates are highest during peak usage,
for example, 6 p.m. in July, and lowest during times of low usage (middle of the night). This
provides the incentive to shift energy usage, such as running a dishwasher, to off-peak periods.
Smart Grid technology, discussed in the Background section, can be used to control usage and
send signals to customers when prices are high. The ability to implement such a rate structure on
Block Island is limited, however, because electricity generation comes from a single source and
costs do not vary, but in the event a connection to the mainland via cable is made, time of use
rates could be used to reduce electricity consumption.
Another issue on Block Island is the energy use associated
with the vacation home rental market; electricity expenses
are typically included in the weekly or monthly rental
fees. This system does not encourage conservation since
the owner charges a price which more than covers all such
direct expenses, and the renter, in paying high fees for the
privilege of vacationing on Block Island, has no incentive
to conserve electricity. One option is to work with the
rental agencies to develop a metering and billing system
so that renters directly bear the cost of their electricity use.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 12
FUEL USE ON BLOCK ISLAND
Background
Fuel Oil
In New England, the predominant fuels for space heating are natural gas and oil. Block Island
has no natural gas system so, aside from minor use of propane, fuel oil is used for space heating.
Fuel is delivered by tanker truck via the ferry; figures on consumption are proprietary and
therefore not available. While most homes use propane for domestic water heating (see below),
a small portion may use oil-fired water heaters or indirect water heaters associated with an oil-
fired boiler.
Space heating efficiency has two distinct components – transforming the fuel into heat, and
containing that heat within the space. There have been recent advances in oil boiler technology
including condensing boilers which operate at efficiencies over 90%. Proper maintenance is key
to keeping oil-fired equipment at optimal efficiency.
Many summer homes on Block Island are heated all winter though rarely occupied. Although
this seasonal occupation is the nature of life on the island, winter heating of these homes can be
done more efficiently by maintaining lower temperatures. For example, monitoring and
notification through cell phones is now readily achievable, and more efficient building design
can allow a home to be without heat (due to power outage or equipment failure) longer before
freeze-ups occur. Technological advances allow for remote monitoring, outside temperature
sensing and remote control of heating systems. These all allow the system to be shut down in
above freezing conditions, operate at lower set points or allow the owner to raise the temperature
prior to their arrival (via cell phone).
Propane Fuel
Propane is the preferred fuel source on Block Island for several residential applications including
water heating, clothes drying and cooking, although cooking represents a relatively small
demand for fuel overall. As with other fuels, propane prices on the island are typically much
higher than the mainland. As a result, a number of residents have found it economically
advantageous to install high efficiency tankless type domestic water heaters to replace storage
type heaters.
Energy associated with laundry can be a significant portion of overall residential energy
consumption and includes the electricity to pump water, and operate both washers and dryers, as
well as propane to heat water and as a dryer heat source. Clothes drying can entail significant
energy consumption and can often be replaced with outdoor line drying or inside rack drying.
Most fabrics and detergent products respond well to cold water washing, thus saving more
propane energy.
Propane can be used for space heating as well, although this is currently rare on Block Island.
Nearly all high-efficiency boilers made to operate with natural gas can be readily modified to
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 13
burn propane at little or no cost. Because propane is a by-product of the refinement of oil and
the processing of natural gas, its market price tends to track that of oil while natural gas prices
tend to be more independent of oil prices (and as of early 2011, significantly lower than oil). For
this reason, as well as shipping costs, propane on Block Island tends to be significantly higher in
price than natural gas on the mainland. Nonetheless, high efficiency gas boilers (modulating,
condensing boilers) can reach efficiencies of 95%, far higher than the efficiencies of typical oil
boilers at about 80% to 85%. This efficiency could make propane space heater competitive in
price to oil. Homeowners should weigh these factors carefully when choosing a heating fuel.
Gasoline and Diesel
Block Island has one fuel vendor for vehicles and two vendors for boats, and as with other fuels,
the prices are significantly higher than mainland prices. Figures for consumption of gasoline and
diesel fuel are also proprietary. Fuel use for transportation on the island is limited by the size of
the island itself. Traffic congestion and parking remain a summer issue in the Old Harbor area,
and a jitney or shuttle between Old and New Harbors has been considered in the past, though
rejected due to business concerns by taxi owners.
Nearly all people, cars and freight arrive on Block
Island via the ferry. This adds an additional
component of “embedded energy” to everything on
Block Island that is carried on the boat. Interstate
Navigation operates both conventional and high
speed ferries although the high speed ferry only
carries passengers and personal luggage. All cars
and freight arrive via the conventional boats. A
landing fee is charged all persons arriving on Block
Island (by private boat as well as ferries and planes)
to cover town provided services.
Goals
There is one goal related to fuel use that the Energy Plan endorses:
1. Minimize the use of fuel used on the island for heating, domestic use and transportation by
encouraging efficiency and shared use.
Implementing Actions
1. Explore the adoption of a town ordinance that prohibits covenants restricting the use of on-
site renewables by homeowners’ associations.
Block Island has no municipal regulations that restrict activities promoting alternative energy
production or energy conservation and efficiency, such as prohibitions on solar panels or line-
drying of clothing. However, homeowners’ associations sometimes enact such bans for house
sites that are part of the association, usually within cluster style developments. A handful of
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 14
states have passed legislation specifically guaranteeing all homeowners a “right to dry” and/or to
universally allow solar rights. In the absence of state legislation, a community can adopt an
ordinance that prohibits associations from preventing
these activities. It is recommended that Block Island
(following legal review), adopt a town ordinance that
could read as follows:
No deed restrictions, covenants, or similar binding agreements running with the land shall prohibit, or have the effect of prohibiting, solar collectors, clotheslines, or other energy devices based on renewable resources, from being installed on buildings erected on the lots or parcels covered by the deed restrictions, covenants, or binding agreements. “Clothesline” by Kate Knapp
2. Reconsider the establishment of a jitney serving island visitors during the summer.
The establishment of a shuttle van or jitney which makes scheduled stops around the island, or at
least between Old Harbor, Town Beach and New Harbor, should be considered again. It has
been suggested that the service be managed by proprietors of the existing taxi services and that
the operation and proceeds be shared. The jitney service would show the commitment of the
island to the environment by reducing fuel use and auto emissions. It would also enhance the
island experience for visitors by reducing congestion in the village area, and providing another
transportation option to those arriving on foot.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 15
SOLID WASTE PROCESSING ON BLOCK ISLAND
Background
Generation and Disposal
All of the solid waste generated on Block Island, including recyclables and sludge from the
sewage treatment plant, is trucked off-island. With the exception of scrap metals and glass, all
waste is disposed of or processed at the state central landfill in Johnston, Rhode Island. Waste is
taken to the town-owned transfer station on West Beach Road by residents, individual businesses
and private haulers, where it is stored, sorted and compacted in preparation for transport off the
island. The transfer station is a solid waste facility licensed by the RI Department of
Environmental Management with an operating capacity of 25 tons per day. The Town contracts
with an on-island company, currently Block Island Recycling Management, to operate the
transfer station and to truck the waste and recyclables to the landfill and elsewhere.
The operation of the transfer station is a “pay as you throw” system. All entities pay a disposal
fee for solid waste based on weight (2010 rates for solid waste are twelve cents per pound).
Residential customers do not pay a fee for recyclables (nor for waste oil), although commercial
customers do (2010 rates for commercial recyclables are five cents per pound); the system
therefore has a built-in incentive to recycle. As a result, the total rate of recycling on Block
Island is around 23% of the total waste (by weight). Many communities in Rhode Island have a
higher recycling rate, but these rates are a measure of the residential waste only. On Block
Island, the recycling rate is measured against all solid waste, including commercial, which makes
up approximately 90% of the total.
There are separate fee schedules for appliances (white goods) and metals, mattresses and
furniture (bulky items), batteries, tires and even automobiles, all of which are disposed of at the
central landfill or recycled. Construction and demolition waste is disposed of at the same rate as
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 16
the other solid waste, as is yard waste, the large majority of which consists of brush, which is
chipped and stored, and when stockpiles reach a certain volume, shipped to the central landfill.
The Town has a separate services agreement with the Rhode Island Resource Recovery
Corporation to dispose of all waste from the island. Under a recent contract (July 1, 2008 – June
30, 2011), RI Resource Recovery Corporation (RRC) receives a tipping fee of $32 per ton, the
municipal rate, provided Block Island does not exceed its annual municipal cap. As with all
communities, the cap is based on population. Because of the substantial increase in population
and activity during the summer tourist and vacation season, the RRC grants Block Island a
seasonal cap adjustment allowing additional tonnage. As of FY 2010, this seasonal cap
allotment is 1,391 tons; the total cap is 1,766 tons of solid waste and 28 tons of yard debris.
The operator of the transfer station serves as the Town’s agent, handling all payments to the
RRC. As a result, there is no direct cost to the municipality to dispose of the waste generated on
the island, with the exception of the waste generated by the Town itself (school, town hall, police
and fire stations, town beach, etc). Because of the high cost of disposal, public outdoor trash
receptacles are not maintained by the Town, as these would become “free” disposal for
household waste.
The total tonnage of solid waste for the fiscal years 2006 to 2009 is as follows:
Table 2
Solid Waste Volumes
Fiscal Refuse Recyclable Total Recycling
Year Tons Tons Tons Rate
2006 3,014 475 3,489 14%
2007 2,709 486 3,195 15%
2008 2,465 482 2,947 16%
2009 2,041 610 2,651 23%
Source: RI Resource Recovery Corporation
Recycling and Options for the Future
Block Island currently has a “diversion rate” of 50%, the fourth highest in the state. The
diversion rate is the percentage of total tonnage of solid waste generated which is not disposed of
at the central landfill. It is a measure of the recyclables (glass, metal, paper, cardboard),
compostable waste (yard debris), and the construction and demolition debris which can be re-
used or recycled rather than landfilled (a program run by the RI RRC known as “Recovermat”).
The emphasis by the RRC on achieving higher diversion rates, directed at all municipalities, is
driven by the need to save on landfill space. Based on an assumed quantity of 750,000 total tons
per year, the RRC estimates that the current active portion of the landfill can remain open until
sometime in the year 2014. When the next phase is opened, it is estimated to have a 17 or 18
year lifespan. While often the direct energy and labor costs of diverting waste is higher than
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 17
simply disposing of it in the landfill, increasing recycling is important to extending the life of the
landfill. In addition, use of recycled rather than new material in any aspect of life is an inherent
energy saver.
On Block Island, while there is an incentive for all categories of waste generators to separate out
their recyclables, it is not mandatory, and there is an undetermined amount of recyclables that are
not diverted. This is especially true in cases involving service to large numbers of the public
where recyclables are mixed in with other solid waste, and the time and labor involved in
removing the cans and bottles are not offset by the saving of seven cents a pound. The
recyclables that remain in the waste stream and end up in the central landfill, of course, count
towards Block Island’s municipal cap. If the cap is exceeded, the company operating the transfer
station must then negotiate with the Town for higher disposal rates.
However, the larger issue is that, regardless of the category of waste, all of it that arrives at the
transfer station is taken off-island. As stated in the Services and Facilities chapter of the
Comprehensive Plan:
This costly and inefficient system should be supplemented with efforts, including the
promotion and expansion of on-island recycling such as composting, that would provide
for more on-island disposal of some items, and a more efficient reduction of both
recyclable and other items that must be transported to mainland landfills.
The operation of the transfer station and the handling of the island’s solid waste are being done
through a successful public/private partnership. This partnership can be enhanced by increasing
the options for disposing of waste on-island, while maintaining the efficient role played by BI
Recycling Management (or similar private company). This would keep disposal rates down for
all Block Islanders, make the island more self-sufficient, potentially create on-island jobs and
reduce the energy and pollution impacts associated with the present system of off-island
disposal.
Along with increasing on-island disposal options, the Town must monitor the long-term
efficiency and potential environmental impacts of continued use of the transfer station site. The
transfer station is located on land that includes an old landfill, which is also partially within a
coastal zone (as defined by a CRMC field- delineated coastal feature). The shoreline edges of
the parcel have been subjected to considerable erosion in recent years, exposing long buried
waste. In addition to quality of life concerns by the neighbors who complain of truck traffic,
odor and wind-blown trash, there have been suggestions to move the transfer station to a more
centrally located site, closer to most island residents and businesses delivering waste to the
transfer station, and to the ferry for the truckers hauling waste off-island.
Goals
Block Island’s system of solid waste management – “pay as you throw” at a public facility
managed by a private company – works well in terms of efficiency, with incentives for islanders
to limit solid waste generation and maximize recycling. The major issue is the disposal of all
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 18
waste off-island, and the associated expense of transport and disposal in the central landfill in
Johnston. There are three goals related to solid waste that the Energy Plan endorses:
1. Maximize the amount of recycled waste;
2. Reduce the amount of waste transported off-island by processing more of the waste on-
island; and
3. Ensure that the long-term location of the transfer station and all related activities are at a site
that is economically and environmentally suitable, and allows for efficiency in the transport
and processing of solid waste.
Block Island’s recycling rate can be improved by altering the commercial waste stream. As
stated in the Background section, despite a lower disposal rate for recyclables, cans and bottles
end up in the landfill because they are mixed in with general waste at their source, a problem
associated with restaurants, hotels, guest houses and marinas. This can be countered by
mandating recycling, increasing the financial incentive and educating island visitors.
Processing more of the solid waste on-site would include composting, making use of both
compostable material that would otherwise be trucked to the central landfill, particularly brush
and untreated wood, as well as sludge from the sewage treatment plant; composting options are
discussed in detail in the Water Use section of this document. It would also involve research and
evaluation of alternative disposal technologies. The location of the transfer station site itself
should also be evaluated in terms of its long-term viability from both an economic and
environmental standpoint.
Implementing Actions
1. Adjust the commercial fees for disposal at the transfer station to encourage recycling.
The 2010 rates for disposal of solid waste at the transfer station are twelve cents per pound.
Residential customers do not pay a fee for recyclables, while commercial customers pay five
cents per pound. It is recommended that the net savings for commercial customers who recycle
be increased by lowering the recyclables disposal rate and/or raising the overall rate, in order to
increase the incentive for these customers to pull out their recyclables. The rates are adjusted
and approved by the Town Council.
2. Identify ways to facilitate recycling.
In addition to adjustment of fees, it is recommended that the Town develop a public education
program to encourage recycling. In particular, this program would be directed at renters.
Another possibility is to recognize, through a certification program, those hotels, restaurants and
marinas that successfully recycle.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 19
3. Explore the use of other waste disposal technologies.
The handling and disposal of solid waste is a universal problem, and the use of a technology that
results in volume reduction rather than land disposal is an alluring option. Incineration, the
simple burning of material to reduce its bulk, has been debated on a state-wide basis in the past,
but ultimately rejected due to the potential negative impacts on air quality and public health.
One member of the Island Energy Committee researched alternatives to incineration and
identified gasification. This technology, described in more detail in Appendix C, is the heating
of carbon based material at very high temperatures in a sealed vessel, resulting in a char-type
residue and the production of syngas, itself a fuel that can be used to power a generator to
produce electric power, or burned directly for space heating. Gasification is a proven
technology; a Massachusetts company has expressed interest in working with Block Island to
develop an appropriately sized gasifier/generator. However, concern with the initial cost and the
lack of working examples in other communities mandates that the Town pursue the option
carefully, and in general, research all options for reducing the waste stream in an
environmentally and cost effective manner.
4. Consider alternate locations for the transfer station.
The transfer station parcel, previously the site
of a privately owned landfill (more correctly
described as a “dump”), was given to the Town
by the owner, Jack Gray, for continued use as a
solid waste site. In the event that the Town no
longer uses it for that purpose, it is to be
converted (assuming proper remediation), to a
public park. In addition to the environmental
and public benefits of such a conversion, the
relocation of the transfer station could result in
a more efficient operation. It is recommended
that the Town, as part of a long-term plan
evaluating the transport and processing of solid
waste, consider other locations on the island
for the transfer station.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 20
WATER USE ON BLOCK ISLAND
Background
Water Supply and Sewage Disposal System
A complete description of both the Town’s water supply and treatment system and the sewerage
system is contained in the Background section of the Services and Facilities chapter of the
Comprehensive Plan. The Island Energy Committee was most interested in total consumption,
and evaluating the efficiency and energy costs of providing public water and processing
wastewater.
Water Consumption and Cost
As of 2009, there were 204 residential accounts and 59 commercial accounts within the water
district (Old Harbor area). Total annual water consumption is as follows:
Table 3
Block Island Water Company Users 2009
Users Count Gallons Percent
Commercial 59 8,022,000 54%
Residential 204 6,819,000 46%
Total 263 14,841,000 100%
Only about 7% of the island residences are connected to the water system, as the majority of
homes rely on private wells. Most of the commercial establishments are connected to the water
system and, of course, create the largest demand during the tourist season. In addition, there are
seven major commercial users, hotels and restaurants, as well as the Town Beach, which are
connected but still rely on their own wells; they represent a seasonal demand of 45,800 gallons
per day which could potentially be activated. In early 2011 the New Shoreham Water District
was expanded to include the New Harbor area; construction was completed in June 2011 to
extend the water lines to service those businesses and residences. As stated in the Services and
Facilities chapter, the water system has a total capacity of 300,000 gallons per day.
The lowest consumption months are November through March, accounting for less than 20% of
total annual water production. Consumption picks up in the “shoulder season” months of April,
May, September and October, together accounting for about 30% of annual water production.
The summer months of June, July and August typically represent half or more of total annual
water use. July and August have the greatest water use; over the five year period 2005 to 2009,
the two peak season months have required an average of 7.2 million total gallons, which is an
average of 38% of total annual water production. On a typical summer day, water use is about
100,000 gallons per day, while on a weekend summer day it can be as much as 135,000 gallons,
or more (July 4, 2009 had a demand of 158,280 gallons). The town-owned water company
accounts for seasonal demand with the following variable rate structure (amended June 2010):
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 21
Table 4
Block Island Water Rates, Fiscal Year 2011
Quarter Rate/1,000 gal
July 1 – Sept 30, 2010 $25.50
Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2010 $12.80
Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2011 $12.80
Apr 1 – June 30, 2011 $19.40
As with any water supply system, there is a differential between the metered quantity and the
actual amount of water produced, as monitored by the water company. This unaccounted for
water is a result of flushing requirements, fire flow and some meter errors, as well as theft, but
also leakage. Leakage includes defective hydrants, abandoned services, leaking meters, and
leaks in water mains, or line loss. The unaccounted for water can vary significantly from year to
year, but over the five year period 2005 to 2009, averaged nearly 6%. Leak detection and repair
has been a major focus of the water company. The metering system was installed in 2001 and
2002, and consists of an automatic metering system programmed to indicate water leaks and
unusually high consumption at each house or business. Leak detection surveys by a private
company are undertaken as needed.
The water production (well field and Sands Pond) and treatment plant make use of state-of-the-
art facilities and equipment which, like the distribution system, are monitored and upgraded as
needed. Aside from employee costs, the capital replacement and debt service costs are the
largest items in the water company’s operating budget. The next largest single expense is that
for electricity to run the treatment facilities and pumps; for the fiscal year 2010, this expense was
budgeted at $55,000 (the actual cost during FY 2009 was $48,728) out of a total operating
budget of $670,000.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 22
For the Block Island Water Company, total water use and emphasis on both water conservation
and efficiency are necessary to continue to provide high quality public water as demand
increases. The immediate concerns related to energy are the electricity expenses. The water
company property on Sands Pond Road may be suitable for on-site renewable sources of energy.
For the majority of island residents who rely on private wells, water conservation is also
important – to both minimize the use of electrical energy to run their well pumps, and to preserve
and protect the island’s sole source aquifer. It is estimated that the 1,266 private residential wells
on the island pump 46 million gallons per year (more than half of the total well water withdrawal
of 83 million gallons per year on the island). As Block Island real estate values increase, and the
expectations and means of home owners rise with them, more “luxuries” are being incorporated
into home sites, and these often involve water and energy consumption. Irrigation of lawns and
ornamental (non-native) plantings and swimming pools are two examples. In addition to the
non-essential use of water, the pumps required to run the irrigation and pool filtration systems
both create a large demand for electricity.
Sewage Disposal Volume and Cost
As stated in the Services and Facilities chapter, the
Block Island sewage treatment plant has a capacity
of 450,000 gallons per day. There are 350 sewer
connections in addition to the sewage processed
from waste haulers servicing on-site systems and
boat pump-outs. As with water consumption,
approximately half of the total annual wastewater
volume treated occurs during the three summer
months.
Table 5
Sewage Treatment Plant Flows, 2005 – 2009
Total June – Aug June – Aug
Year Gallons Gallons % of Total
2005 49,560,000 23,077,000 46.6 %
2006 47,467,000 24,848,000 52.3 %
2007 46,282,000 23,333,000 50.4 %
2008 43,806,000 22,364,000 51.0 %
2009 38,484,000 18,896,000 49.1 %
July and August have the greatest demand on the sewage treatment plant; over the five year
period 2005 to 2009, the two peak season months have produced an average of 17 million total
gallons of wastewater, which represents 35% to 40% of the total annual wastewater flow.
Similar to the water fees, seasonal demand is reflected in the sewer rate structure (amended June
2010):
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 23
Table 6
Block Island Sewer Rates, Fiscal Year 2011
Quarter Rate/1,000 gal
July 1 – Sept 30, 2010 $26.28
Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2010 $13.14
Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2011 $ 6.57
Apr 1 – June 30, 2011 $13.14
As with the operation of the public water supply system, the operation of the sewage treatment
plant is burdened by its energy costs. The treatment plant, however, has two diesel generators,
one on stand-by, as an alternative to purchasing electricity from the Block Island Power
Company. During the summer season, the plant operators run the generators, since purchasing
the fuel is about half the cost of buying electricity, and then return to the grid in late fall. For the
fiscal year 2010, expenses for electricity and fuel oil were each budgeted at $65,000; most of the
use under these two categories is running the treatment plant (aside from heating and lighting the
on-site buildings); the FY 2009 expenditure for electricity was $58,792, and for all fuel oil was
$56,872. Over five recent summer seasons, the actual fuel use and corresponding direct cost to
run the generators, as well as an estimate of the savings from going off-grid, is as follows:
Table 7
Sewage Treatment Plant Generator Fuel Costs, 2006 – 2010
Summer Total Cost/ Fuel Total Cost
Season Gallons Gallon Costs Cost* Savings**
2006 13,256 $2.50 $33,140 $42,740 $29,106
2007 14,185 $2.55 $36,172 $45,772 $26,074
2008 15,532 $4.29 $66,632 $81,311 $39,300
2009 13,501 $2.57 $34,644 $45.323 $39,218
2010 13,414 $2.81 $37,693 $48,372 $33,994
* Total cost to run the generators includes fuel, filters, service, labor and depreciation
** Cost savings are calculated based on the total kWh produced by the generators times the
equivalent cost per kWh of electricity during the summer months, minus the total cost of
running the generators
Source: Superintendent, BI Water Pollution Control Facility
As shown above, the demand for fuel (a function of the volume of wastewater processed) and the
actual fuel costs can vary from year to year. When determining when to run the generators and
when to return to the grid, the operators of the treatment facility must monitor the costs per kWh
from the Block Island Power Company (which rises during the summer season) with the cost of
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 24
diesel fuel and establish an equivalent cost per kWh to run the generators. The total cost of
running the treatment facility, whether the electricity is generated on-site or purchased from the
power company, could be dramatically reduced with the use of on-site solar, wind or other
renewable sources.
Sludge Disposal
Another major operating expense the Town’s sewage treatment department incurs is disposal of
the sewage sludge, a significant part of the community’s annual solid waste volume, with its
associated energy costs. For the fiscal year 2010, this expense was budgeted at $60,000 (the
actual cost during FY 2009 was $53,968). The following is a summary of the total tonnage of
sludge and its disposal costs over the past five years:
Table 8
Sewage Treatment Plant Sludge Disposal, Fiscal Year 2005 – 2010
Fiscal Total RIRRC* BIRM** Total
Year Tons Costs Costs Costs
2005 367 $18,606 $37,800 $56,406
2006 383 $19,412 $37,800 $57,212
2007 409 $28,095 $39,600 $67,695
2008 376 $21,028 $36,000 $57,028
2009 335 $20,410 $34,200 $54,610
2010 338 $21,999 $34,200 $56,199
* RI Resource Recovery Corporation
** Block Island Recycling Management
Composting and Options for the Future
As with other components of the solid waste stream on Block Island, options exist for on-island
disposal of the sewage sludge; in this case as part of a composting facility. The sludge
(biosolids) generated as part of the sewage treatment process is dewatered through a solids
handling facility at the treatment plant. Once a 30 yard roll-off dumpster is filled, it is
transported to the central landfill for disposal. However, Block Island’s sludge is ideal for
composting as it has negligible heavy metals content due to the lack of an industrial waste stream
on the island.
Composting occurs when the dewatered sludge is mixed with a bulking agent, such as wood
chips or wood ash, to balance the moisture content and achieve an optimum carbon to nitrogen
ratio, and the mixture decomposes in a high temperature, enclosed environment. This cycle
takes about 8 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of curing (lessening of microbial activity and cooling).
The resulting biosolids compost (“Class A” per RI Department of Environmental Management)
can be used for ornamental horticulture, turfgrass, agricultural crops and land reclamation.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 25
At various times over the years, the Town has considered on-island composting. In 1991, an
aerated pile method was considered, but not pursued, since the Town was subsequently allowed
to dispose of its dewatered sludge in Johnston, ultimately easier and cheaper to do. The Town
considered composting again in the mid-1990’s, using a combination of sludge and wood ash,
but this was not pursued due to stockpiling, permitting and cost issues. A comprehensive
compost study was done in 2001 by a professional consultant, EnTech Engineering Inc. This
study considered the use of compostable waste and construction debris as well as the sewage
sludge. It recommended a bag system, which is essentially an in-vessel aerated pile within 200
foot long, tube-like plastic composting bags. Mixed compostable material is placed into a
hopper, and a hydraulic ram forces the material into the bags. Perforated pipe is also placed
within the bags during the filling procedure to allow aeration of the pile. Produced by the
company Ag-Bag Environmental, the bags are referred to as EcoPods (registered trademark) and
can process about 150 cubic yards of material during one cycle. The Ag-Bag system is just one
of several technologies available to accomplish in-vessel composting.
Source: Ag-Bag Corporation
A follow-up to the EnTech study was done in 2010 by David Simmons of the Water and Sewer
Department, who used the same economic model with updated figures. Two scenarios were
evaluated, one involving only the sewage sludge mixed with wood chips, the other including
compostable solid waste. In each scenario, wood chips were added to the sludge volume at the
desired ratio of 2.5 to one (by volume), but in the second scenario, additional solid waste,
roughly equivalent to the volume of sludge, was included as part of the compostable mix. Only
the second scenario showed a net savings – the savings in tipping and transporting fees and sale
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 26
of compost are greater than the operating and maintenance expenses and loss of disposal fees at
the transfer station. Changing some of the parameters would show a more positive result,
meaning an on-island composting facility, with or without the compostable solid waste, is still
viable with creative financing or partnerships. Creation of on-island employment is another
potential benefit to be weighed.
Other issues to consider are designing the site to accommodate the composting technology and
obtaining the necessary permits and approvals from the RI Department of Environmental
Management. There must also be a market, preferably on-island, for use of the resulting
compost, which is estimated to be about 260 tons per year with sludge only, and about 390 tons
per year including compostable solid waste.
Goals
In regard to the public water supply and wastewater processing systems, the Energy Plan
endorses the following goals:
1. Maintain, and improve where feasible, the efficient operation of the water and sewage
treatment plants on Block Island;
2. Minimize public water use through conservation; and
3. Reduce or eliminate the sludge transported off-island through composting.
As presented in the Background section, the volumes handled in both systems have a seasonal
variation, with the user rates adjusted accordingly. Nonetheless, the costs to power the treatment
and pumping facilities are significant items in each department’s operating budgets.
Water conservation efforts have been and always will be a priority for the island and for the BI
Water Company, which deals with ever increasing summer season demand.
As with the disposal of other solid waste off-island, the shipping of dewatered sludge to the
central landfill uses energy and is an expense to the community. Whether it is done in
conjunction with biodegradable solid waste or not, the composting of sewage sludge should be
pursued until an economically and environmentally viable system can be established on-island.
Implementing Actions
1. Offset the energy costs of the water and sewer plants by establishing on-site renewable
sources of energy.
As discussed in the Background section, the electricity costs to operate both the water and
sewage treatment plants are significant portions of the operating budgets. Establishment of on-
site alternative sources of energy, like the solar panels at the Town Hall (see Renewable Energy
Use section), would provide a direct benefit to the Town and the ratepayers in the respective
districts.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 27
2. Establish a water conservation education program.
An education program, directed at both water district users and individual well owners, should be
developed to promote water conservation on the island. A description of the sole source aquifer,
the seasonal demands on the water system and the inter-relationships between water and
electricity use should all be addressed as part of the program. Information on use of recycled
greywater (wastewater generated from domestic activities such as laundry, dishwashing and
bathing) for onsite landscape irrigation could also be included in the program. One aspect of the
program could be targeted specifically to homeowners, and another to businesses.
3. Evaluate the feasibility of an on-island composting demonstration project using yard waste
with sludge from the treatment plant.
Given the uncertain economic benefits of composting sludge from the sewage treatment plant,
along with wood debris and possibly compostable material in the general waste stream, a pilot
compost study would provide valuable data in terms of technology, logistics, cost and marketing
of the compost. It is recommended that the Town establish a pilot composting project either at
the sewage treatment plant or the transfer station, utilizing the bag system described in the
Background section.
4. Pursue a regional composting facility in conjunction with other communities in Washington
County.
Another recommendation is for the Town is to work with the other county communities, through
the Regional Planning Council, to combine their compostables in a single facility. This would
result in more efficiency (economy of scale) in terms of handling and marketing.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 28
RENEWABLE ENERGY USE ON BLOCK ISLAND
Background
The use of alternative or renewable energy sources has an active history on Block Island.
Individual property owners and the Town as an entity have taken steps to avail themselves of
both solar and wind power. Reducing the use of fossil fuels at the power company has always
been of concern for both economic and environmental reasons, and more recently, these
considerations have led to a growth in the use of alternative energy sources.
Wind Power
Block Island has the best wind resources in the state due to its offshore location. Wind as a
renewable resource is classified according to wind power which is a function of wind speeds,
typically measured at a height of 50 meters (164 feet). Wind power potential as mapped (US
Department of Energy with data provided by TruWinds Solutions) shows that the majority of the
island has a wind power class of 4 (defined as “good”), which is represented by a wind speed of
about 16 miles per hour. Some areas in the south and southwestern portion of the island have a
wind class of 5 (defined as “excellent”), which is a wind speed of about 17 to 18 miles per hour.
The coastal and bay areas of the state have “fair” and “marginal” wind resources, while the rest
of the state has a wind power class described as “poor”.
In 1979 an experimental 200 kW turbine was
constructed at the Block Island Power Company
property. It was one of four demonstration
projects funded by the Department of Energy
and designed by the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration, at a cost of approximately
$2 million. It consisted of a two blade horizontal
axis rotor 125 feet in diameter on a pipe truss
tower 93 feet in height. The turbine generated
enough electricity over its short tenure to power
about 100 island homes. At the end of the
project the turbine was given to BIPCO. The
blades were removed in 1982 and the power
company dismantled the tower in 1987.
Modern residential wind turbines have been in use on the Island for nearly 30 years,
accompanied by controversy over noise and visual impacts, as well as safety concerns.
Restrictive zoning regulations eventually followed (see Local Zoning in Local and State Energy
Regulations section of this document).
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 29
As of 2011, there are four privately owned 10 kW Bergey wind
turbines on the island, each generating between 10,000 to
14,000 kW hours per year, enough to supply one household’s
electricity needs. Three are connected to the grid with inverters
which allow the meters to run in reverse during the times when
the turbines are generating more electricity than the owners can
use. The power company buys the excess electricity at a rate
calculated to be the “avoided cost”. The avoided cost is
distinct from that of net metering; it is essentially the money
saved by the power company from not having to generate
power otherwise consumed by the household, accounting for
such factors as fuel cost, generated line loss and environmental
costs. The other 10 kW turbine is off the grid entirely; the
wind turbine charges batteries, which power the house through
an inverter. Several other residences on the island have wind
turbines.
There is also a 1 kW turbine at the town-owned (off the grid) North Lighthouse. In combination
with a 500 watt solar panel on-site, there is enough power (200 kWh per month) to run the
lighthouse and visitors’ center, making the generator necessary only as a back-up.
Solar Energy
Efforts to make use of solar energy for hot water and electricity generation have been undertaken
on Block Island over the past three decades. In general, the utilization of solar energy on the
island has fluctuated with the economy, energy prices, available tax credits and target grant
programs. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s local businessmen involved in renewable energy
systems organized an annual energy fair to help promote solar (and wind) energy.
Unquestionably, the largest boost to solar energy on the island was the Block Island Renewable
Energy Grant program (1999-2002), funded through the Department of Energy, which was
written and administered by Chris Warfel of Entech Engineering, with support from the Town.
Many photovoltaic (PV) and solar hot water systems were installed or enlarged as a result of this
grant program; the two largest PV systems (around 5 kW each) were installed at the Block Island
School and the Post Office. Solar contractors from around New England bid on installations.
Solar Energy/Water Heating:
A typical solar domestic hot water (DHW) system consists of flat plate collectors, a panel usually
about 32 square feet in size, a storage tank, a small pump used to circulate water or glycol
through the panel, and a small PV panel or differential controller to turn the pump on and off
following the sun. The sun’s rays hit the collector, and the absorber plate inside the collector
heats up the fluid (water or glycol) which is pumped slowly through the absorber’s tubing. If
glycol is used as the heat exchange medium, a heat exchanger is needed to transfer the heat to the
water in the storage tanks. Typically, the solar DHW system acts as a preheater to the
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 30
conventional DHW system; the hot water from the top of the storage tank is fed to the
conventional system.
Source: EnTech Engineering
The first solar domestic hot water (DHW) systems were installed on Block Island by a retired
engineer, Vernon Bowles, who summered here. His company, Solar Trap, fabricated panels and
installed systems in the early 1970’s through the late 1980’s. His systems utilized flat plate
collectors, large stone-lined storage tanks, and small AC (alternating current) pumps that
circulated water through the collectors. Solar Trap installed approximately ten systems on the
island, most of which are still operating, although with replacement panels.
Local plumbers installed several solar hot water systems in the late 80’s and early 90’s, including
two systems that used Freon as a heat exchange medium. One island-based business, SolarTech,
installed several pool and spa heating systems, as well as different types of DHW systems. The
majority of the DHW systems used glycol as a heat exchange medium, and were designed for
year-round use.
On Block Island, as elsewhere, a DWH system consisting of a 64 square foot panel area (two 4
foot by 8 foot panels) can supply 80% to 90% of a summer residence’s hot water needs and 60%
to70% of an average year-round residence’s needs. Systems installed for summer homes work
best by incorporating a small space-heating loop to act as a heat dump (to prevent the glycol
from overheating) during the times the houses are not occupied. There are more than thirty such
solar hot water systems in place on the island, with potential for more limited only by an
individual’s ability to purchase such a system and provide suitable land or roof area.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 31
Solar Energy/Photovoltaics:
A photovoltaic panel works when the sun’s rays hit the panel, which converts the sun’s energy to
DC electricity. The electricity is stored in batteries, and the DC current from the batteries then
runs through an inverter which changes the current from DC to AC, where it can then be used in
the home or sent into the grid.
Source: Entech Engineering
Since the 1980’s photovoltaic systems have radically evolved. Today’s systems are designed to
integrate with the electric utility, with or without a battery backup. New generation charge
controllers can extract about 20% more power from the PV panels than the earlier systems.
There are also many more choices for racking (mounting) systems for both ground and roof
mount, as well as multiple choices for the PV panels as the solar industry expands, both
domestically and internationally.
On Block Island, a modest-sized PV system of 2 kW can supply at least half the power for an
average energy efficient house (which makes use of Energy Star appliances, fluorescent lighting,
water conserving toilets, etc.). In the early 1990’s, the first solar powered rental house was built,
with a large battery bank and PV system rated over 3 kW. The system was designed and
installed by Solar Associates, a solar architecture firm from Boston. In 2009, a 12 kW system
was installed at the Town Hall for a total cost of $98,500, the majority of which was funded
through a grant from the RI Economic Development Corporation. As of 2011, it is producing an
average of more than 1,000 kWh per month, about 20% of the building’s total annual energy
usage; the estimated savings to the Town are about $5,500 per year, although this savings can
vary depending on the electricity costs (as described in the Electric Power Generation and
Distribution section).
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 32
As of late 2010, there are approximately twenty-five smaller residential solar panel systems in
place on the island.
Biodiesel
Another renewable energy source (other than use of wood for heating individual residences),
which has potential on the island – as it does just about anywhere else – is biodiesel. Biodiesel is
an alternative fuel that is produced from acceptable feedstocks, such as vegetable oils or animal
fats, by means of a chemical process called transesterification. It contains no petroleum, but
rather is blended with either petrodiesel for operating vehicles, or heating oil for home or
business use. It is a biodegradable clean burning fuel that is non-toxic, free of sulfur and
aromatics, and suitable for sensitive environments.
Biodiesel is distinct from ethanol, which is derived primarily from corn grown for the purpose of
conversion to a fuel source for use in gasoline powered engines. Biodiesel blends are labeled
according to their percentage of biodiesel; a B5 label would be a blend containing five percent
biodiesel. Biodiesel blends of 20% and below will work in any diesel engine; it is considered a
“drop-in” technology without the need for modifications. Retail pumping stations with biodiesel
blends are not widespread, but becoming more common. Its use as a heating fuel, or “BioHeat”
(trademark of the National Biodiesel Board), is available in varying blends, again with up to 20%
considered acceptable for most furnaces.
While a variety of oils can be used to produce biodiesel (as well as harvested algae), on Block
Island there is interest in, and some current collection of, restaurant waste oil. Typically, a
biofuels company collects waste oil from restaurants in bins provided at no charge. A restaurant
owner gains by not having to dispose of the waste oil, and by contributing to a renewable energy
source. The oil is taken off island, where it is processed, blended and sold by oil distribution
companies that partner with the biodiesel producer. A representative of a Rhode Island biodiesel
company who visited the island to talk to the Island Energy Plan Committee estimated that Block
Island restaurants produce about 19,000 gallons of waste oil, the bulk of which is produced
during the tourist season.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 33
Wind Energy Proposals and Options for the Future
Off-Shore Wind Farm
Since 2009 Block Islanders, and the state as a whole to some extent, have been engrossed in the
potential for an offshore wind farm, three miles southeast of Block Island. The wind farm, as
proposed by a New Jersey company, Deepwater Wind, LLC, would consist of up to eight
turbines producing a total of 30 megawatts of power, located approximately three miles offshore.
Each would rise 450 feet above the water, collectively visible from a variety of locations on the
island, particularly the south shore. The project includes the construction of a cable to Block
Island from the wind farm, and a cable from Block Island to the mainland, in order to transmit
the wind farm power to the mainland, thereby providing the much desired connection to the
mainland grid, and allowing electricity to flow to the island based on actual demand.
Deepwater Wind, selected by the state Department of Energy Resources through a competitive
bidding process to develop the wind farm, proposed to construct these turbines as a
“demonstration” wind project, to be followed later by a major wind farm consisting of two
hundred such turbines producing a total of 1,000 megawatts further offshore, about 15 miles east
of Block Island and south of the mainland.
In June of 2009, then Governor Carcieri signed a bill that requires the electric utility, National
Grid, to negotiate long-term contracts with renewable energy providers, including purchasing up
to 150 megawatts of power from utility scale off-shore wind facilities. However, a 20 year
purchase power agreement (PPA) in which National Grid would purchase energy from
Deepwater at 24.4 cents per kilowatt hour was rejected by the Public Utilities Commission
(PUC) as not commercially reasonable. Because of the State’s interest in promoting and
developing an offshore wind industry, the legislature adopted new legislation mandating the
PUC to reconsider the PPA under different terms and, following another set of public hearings,
the agreement was subsequently approved in August 2010. This decision was appealed to RI
Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the purchase power agreement in July 2011. Deepwater
Wind continues to advance the project, stating their plans to begin commercial operation in 2014.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 34
The necessary involvement of a number of federal and state regulatory agencies in offshore wind
farm development coalesced in the development of an Ocean Special Area Management Plan
(Ocean SAMP). The SAMP, a coastal management and regulatory tool, was adopted by the RI
Coastal Resources Management Council in October 2010 after a two year study that looked
comprehensively at the state and federal waters off Rhode Island. Much of the work was done
by researchers and scientists at the URI Graduate School of Oceanography, with considerable
public outreach. The goal of the plan, the first of its kind in the country, is to determine the best
balance of ecology and fisheries, transportation, recreational, and energy infrastructure uses in
the specially mapped study area (1,467 square miles including portions of Block Island Sound,
Rhode Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean).
Among the policies and recommendations that will guide the CRMC in achieving a balanced and
ecosystem-based approach for the development and protection of the SAMP area is a
“Renewable Energy Zone”. This zone is a two kilometer wide area just inside the boundary
delineating state waters south and east of Block Island. The zone extends for approximately 18
kilometers and lies just outside a marine navigation area to the east of the island. Not included in
the Ocean SAMP is a formal voice for the Town of New Shoreham in the event of development
within these waters; the Town should be consulted whenever additional wind turbines, or any
offshore energy development, is proposed within view of the island.
On-Island Municipal Wind Turbine
Independent of plans by the state to pursue offshore wind resources on a large commercial scale,
the Town is evaluating the option of an on-island municipally owned turbine, or turbines.
Zoning to allow such use at the site of the transfer station was adopted in December 2009 (see
Local Zoning in Local and State Energy Regulations section below), and the Town has sought
the services of energy professionals to evaluate the feasibility of erecting a turbine with
production capacity up to 600 kW, which would connect into the BIPCO distribution system.
The principal motivating factor in considering a Town-sponsored utility-sized turbine, is the
significant electricity costs to operate town buildings, including the school. The Town spends on
average $340,000 per year on electricity for all of its buildings, with the school accounting for
almost a third of that. With the addition of an average of $48,000 to run the generators at the
sewage treatment plant on a seasonal basis, the Town has an annual electric energy expense of
close to $400,000 for its buildings (including pumping stations and street lights). Shown in
Appendix D is the annual energy consumption and cost by various town accounts for fiscal years
2009, 2010 and 2011.
The Town is also motivated by a desire to use renewable energy in order to reduce its carbon
emissions, and take advantage of an available resource – the substantial wind power on the
island. While the community is not united regarding the establishment of the municipal turbine
or its best location, one purpose of the professional evaluation is to review various available sites
on the island that would be technically suitable for a wind turbine of this size, and to weigh the
benefits with the possible negatives and initial costs.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 35
In addition to a location that is suitable for various reasons – proximity to the distribution
system, compatibility with neighboring land uses, suitability of soils, clearance from wind
impediments and aviation patterns associated with the Block Island Airport, and minimal
environmental impacts – the evaluation must consider the relationship with BIPCO, and the need
to “dump” the excess energy generation which would likely occur, at least during the winter
season when wind power is greatest, as well as the need to upgrade the capacity of the power
lines. A financial analysis will be necessary to evaluate all the costs associated with the turbine
as compared with the longer term energy cost savings. Various options for funding must also be
considered.
Goals
A major aspect of any community’s energy plan is the use of alternative energy, principally
related to electric generation. In this area, the Energy Plan endorses the following:
1. Achieve maximum use of renewables on Block Island, particularly wind and solar;
2. Explore use of other renewable energy sources (biofuels); and
3. Establish a climate of progressive energy policies and programs.
To achieve the maximum use of renewable energy by both the private and public sectors, the
Town must foster an environment that encourages such use. This can be done through regulatory
and tax programs, and by actively seeking municipal use of alternative energy sources through
grants and other financing programs, including private public partnerships.
Implementing Actions
1. Complete a feasibility study for the establishment of one or more municipal turbines to
connect with the on-island electrical distribution system.
The establishment of one or more community sized municipal turbines to offset the electrical
energy expenses of operating the town buildings is a specific recommendation of this plan (see
also Implementing Action #3 under the Electric Power Generation and Distribution section).
However, the actual technical, environmental and financial feasibility of an on-island turbine
system cannot be determined without study by the appropriate professionals to evaluate suitable
locations, connection to the island distribution system, and cost and funding options.
2. Establish renewable energy systems at the water and sewer plants and all feasible municipal
locations.
This recommendation complements Implementing Action #1 under the Water Use section of this
document.
3. Support biodiesel production by allowing biodiesel producers to provide a waste collection
bin for edible oils at the transfer station for use by all transfer station customers.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 36
Biodiesel production is underway in Rhode Island and there is interest in collecting the suitable
waste oil on Block Island. It is recommended that a waste oil collection bin be established at the
transfer station, to provide a voluntary program for disposal. This will allow users who
otherwise do not have their edible waste oil collected to dispose of it at no expense, while
providing the biodiesel producers with another source. While the Town itself would not be
directly involved in any transactions, the collected oil would represent waste otherwise
landfilled. In addition, the Town would be promoting the production of a renewable energy
source.
4. Encourage use of residential bulk purchasing for PV and solar hot water systems.
A successful strategy making the purchase and installation of solar equipment more affordable is
the formation of a co-operative. Many communities have done this, with or without the support
of local government. One very successful example of a grass-roots co-op is the Mount Pleasant
Solar Cooperative in Washington DC., which started with a small group of committed
individuals seeking to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. Today, the Mount Pleasant Co-op
serves as a mentor for other communities with the same goals:
* Bulk purchase of solar equipment to reduce cost
* Uniformity of equipment for easier maintenance
* Relationship with a reputable local installer
* Creating local jobs
* Providing a financing mechanism
Municipalities can facilitate lower cost financing for property owners wishing to install solar
systems by forming a “Sustainable Energy Financing District” (Diven and Price, “How Solar
Financing Works”, March 2010). An Energy Financing District provides loans to property
owners without large down payments or high financing costs by means of an assessment levied
on the property. The re-payment of funds used for renewable energy projects are linked to
owners’ property taxes. A municipality may issue bonds secured by the property assessments to
raise money for additional loans, or to access special development funds. One advantage is that
the assessment runs with the property and does not need to be paid off when the property is sold.
Also, there is little upfront cost for the owners, and because the loan payments are tied to
property taxes, the interest is tax deductible.
It is recommended that Block Island set up an
energy co-operative, with municipal support,
including a financing program, for the bulk
purchasing of solar and other alternative energy
systems.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 37
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS ON BLOCK ISLAND
Background
Because of the price of electricity, it is assumed most island residents are conservative in their
use of electric power, and attuned to the use of energy efficient lighting, low-flow plumbing
fixtures, and energy efficient appliances, although that cannot be accurately documented. The
Block Island Residents’ Association also sponsors residential energy audits on a periodic basis.
Municipal Buildings Energy Audits
On behalf of the towns and school districts which make up Washington County, the Washington
County Regional Planning Council (WCRPC) applied for and received funding under the federal
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, an energy initiative of the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, to undertake a series of energy audits of, and
improvements to, municipal and school buildings through performance contracting.
Performance contracting is a system by which a community can install energy efficient
equipment and systems into their buildings, with no upfront costs, by utilizing the services of an
energy services company (ESCO). Over a several year period, the savings in energy expenses
pay for the costs of energy saving improvements (such as lighting fixtures, insulation, heating
and cooling control systems, installation of renewable energy systems). The ESCO undertakes
the audit, recommends the energy saving projects, assists with financing, oversees the work, and
guarantees the savings.
The WCRPC is responsible for selecting and negotiating with the energy services company.
This regionalized effort (involving a few municipalities outside of Washington County as well)
gives the Town the opportunity to take advantage of the volume purchases available to the ESCO
in serving multiple clients, as well as the expertise of a firm with extensive experience and
resources in the energy field. Each town has a separate contract for their specific buildings.
Block Island has selected the following buildings for energy audits and potential energy savings:
the school, town hall, police station, library, water company and sewer plant.
As part of this process, the Town has submitted large amounts of energy consumption data in the
form of utility bills and previous energy audit information to the WCRPC, for use by the selected
energy services company. The audit and installation of recommended improvements is expected
to be completed in 2011.
Residential Energy Audits
The Block Island Residents’ Association promotes residential energy audits to help year-round
islanders deal with high heating bills. The most recent program, initiated in the summer of 2010,
is funded through the RI Office of Energy Resources. Under the program, residents who heat
with oil or propane can request free energy audits though the National Grid’s EnergyWise
program. The residents are then eligible for a 25% rebate of the total cost of any energy efficient
improvements recommended by the audit (maximum of $2,250 per home). The improvements
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 38
include weatherization, installation of programmable thermostats, and the replacement of older
water heaters and home heating systems. Participation in the program on Block Island is modest.
Goals
In terms of conservation, a critical component of any community energy plan, the Block Island
Energy Plan endorses the following:
1. Maximize the energy efficiency of all municipal buildings; and
2. Encourage energy efficiency and conservation efforts by residences and businesses.
An explicit goal of the Energy Plan is to achieve maximum energy efficiency of all town
buildings on the island, particularly through the energy audit and performance contracting
program. The Town should also work towards an energy conservation program that assists
private building owners in reducing waste and achieving energy efficiency.
Implementing Actions
1. Complete the town building audits and make necessary
improvements.
The energy audits for the school and all municipal buildings will
identify specific improvements to reduce energy loss and improve the
efficiency of heating, cooling and lighting systems. When the audit
program is completed, the Town will be presented with these
improvements and their costs. Because the capital expense will be
off-set with the long term energy savings and because the Town
should be a role model for energy efficiency and conservation, the
energy and audit program should be fully implemented.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 39
2. Establish an on-going residential educational program.
The residential audit program of recent years has had only moderate success. The audit program
should be encouraged, but as a specific recommendation, it may be better to focus on education.
An educational program directed at both residents and renters could include the distribution of
informational packets which focus on all energy subjects discussed in this plan – electricity use,
water use, and recyclables.
While island residents may have above average energy conservation habits, many homes are
occupied by summer renters on vacation. As rents usually include utilities, vacationers are likely
to use more energy. Realtors can play a role in building public awareness by providing
educational material to renters. Billing renters separately for utilities consumed during their stay
could make renters more aware of the island’s unique energy situation, and provide an incentive
to conserve. (See Implementing Action #6 under the Electric Power Generation and
Distribution section).
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 40
LOCAL AND STATE ENERGY REGULATIONS AND POLICIES
Background
Local Zoning
Local zoning regulations relating to alternative energy systems are limited to those governing
Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS). Regulations to locate and mitigate impacts of
individually owned turbines in residential areas, in the range of 1 to 10 kW in size, have been in
place for a number of years. The allowable size of the turbine is a function of its placement on
the property and resulting distance to the closest property line. There are general site standards
and visual and noise standards, but the ordinance is written so that if any standards cannot be
met, the property owner can request approval of the WECS through the special use permit
process. Such approval requires that “any adverse effects of the proposal are outweighed by
countervailing public benefits.”
The setback requirements have served as a disincentive for the use of residential turbines. For
example a 10 kW turbine requires a minimum setback of 300 feet from all property lines. This
translates into an area requirement of at least 7 to 8 acres, depending on parcel shape. In
addition, a turbine of this size is limited to a 62 foot tower and 25 foot blade diameter. There are
less restrictive setback and dimensional specifications for turbines with lower power ratings, but
a 3 kW turbine still requires a minimum lot area of 3.5 to 4.5 acres. The tower height restrictions
also mean that the potential power output is reduced, since the turbines are more efficient at
greater heights because of the increased wind speeds.
More recently, the Town provided for the establishment of a utility WECS within a newly
established Public Utility Zone, which at the time of this writing is confined to the parcels that
make up the Town-owned transfer station on West Beach Road. A utility WECS is specifically
limited to municipal or general public use, and is to be part of the island electrical power
production and distribution system, or if a cable to the mainland is constructed, to be integrated
into the public grid system.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 41
Within the new PU Zone, a Utility WECS would be allowed by special use permit, but would be
limited in tower height to 180 feet and in total height to 265 feet, measured with the blades in
motion, thereby meeting the general characteristics of a 600 – 700 kW machine. Site plan
review is required by the Planning Board. A specific application for a wind turbine requires
detailed specifications on the turbine as well as an evaluation of noise, visual impact (including
visual representation of the turbine from various locations on the island), flicker (shadows caused
by sunlight passing through moving blades) and other environmental impacts. The zoning
regulations do not address residential turbines over 10 kW in size or commercial turbines in
general.
State Energy Program and Policies
Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), there are a number of
funding options relating to energy. With a grant from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Block Grant Program (EECBG), the WCRPC is coordinating the performance contracting
program (municipal building energy audits).
These programs are administered through the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources
(RIOER). RIOER was established to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy in the
State of Rhode Island. It offers programs to assist residents, businesses, municipalities and
institutions with their energy needs.
A State Energy Program is also funded through ARRA (grants provided to the state from the US
Department of Energy). The State Energy Program (SEP) includes funding in several categories.
Among others, these include energy code training being undertaken by the RI Building Code
Commission, a RI Green Buildings Public Initiative, a competitive loan and grant program for
renewable energy project development (RI Non-Utility Scale Renewable Energy) and funding to
expedite development of utility scale offshore wind projects (Deepwater Wind).
State Energy Plan
There is currently a State Energy Plan which is a component of the State Guide Plan (Guide Plan
Element 781). As of 2011, numerous state agencies, including the State Division of Planning,
are working on a complete revision of the energy plan, which will include a set of terrestrial
wind siting guidelines. Local comprehensive plans must be consistent with all element of the
State Guide Plan. Upon completion of the update, energy issues will be part of the
comprehensive planning process in each municipality.
Goals
As stated above, the Town must support alternative energy through its regulatory environment.
The Town must also keep abreast of what is happening on the state and federal level in terms of
policies, programs, funding and technology changes in the renewable energy industry. The
Energy Plan endorses the following:
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 42
1. Review and update local regulations to support alternative energy programs and energy
conservation; and
2. Remain up to date on state energy policies and programs.
Implementing Actions
1. Amend the zoning ordinance to reflect current technology for individual and utility WECS.
In order to remove the current disincentive to establishing WECS on individual properties, it is
recommended that the relevant sections of the zoning ordinance be reviewed and amended as
needed in regard to the setback and lot area requirements, as well as turbine height. In particular,
height limits should be reconsidered to reflect the current technology and efficiency for smaller
scale turbines (1 kW to 10 kW), and for utility WECS. The regulations should also address
turbines larger than 10 kW.
2. Amend the zoning ordinance and other town ordinances with respect to renewables, as
needed.
The dimensional standards contained in the zoning ordinance, particularly those for the
residential districts, should be reviewed and adjusted so disincentives to locating renewable
systems, particularly solar systems, are removed. For example, amendments to the zoning
ordinance could include:
* Excluding solar systems when calculating lot coverage
* Reducing minimum setbacks for solar systems
* Allowing solar electric, solar hot water and small wind systems to be placed over a leach
field as long as the anchoring design does not interfere with leach field performance
3. Establish net metering requirements that apply to Block Island.
Net metering programs are designed to encourage investment in renewable energy systems by
electric utility customers. Customers who have installed renewable energy systems can obtain
credit for electricity produced in excess of what they use. Because renewable systems produce
power that is intermittent in nature, there may be times when excess power is produced and fed
back to the utility. At such times, the customer’s meter will run backward, with credit given for
that amount of electricity. For example, if a customer has a system that produces 1,000 kWh in
a month but consumes only 600 kWh, the excess 400 kWh will be credited to the customer’s bill
in the following month, generally at the retail rate.
Rhode Island enacted legislation in 2006 (amended in 2009 and 2010) mandating that all utilities
in the state, with the specific exemption of Block Island Power Company and Pascoag Electric,
offer net metering. The updated legislation also established that towns and some non-profit
entities be allowed to take advantage of “virtual” net metering, allowing excess electricity
generation to be used to offset consumption for up to ten different accounts. For example, a
town with a renewable energy system installed at its town hall can use the excess power to offset
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 43
electricity consumption at other municipal sites. The Public Utilities Commission is responsible
for establishing the regulations governing net metering.
The state regulations limit the aggregate capacity eligible for net metering to 2% of the utility’s
peak load, and limits individual system sizes to 3.5 MW for municipalities and 1.65 MW for all
other systems. These limitations are placed because payments at the retail rate are, in effect, a
subsidy from the utility’s other customers to the renewable energy owner. BIPCO and Pascoag
are exempted because the small size of their systems would make the economic impact of the
subsidy on their other customers much more significant than National Grid’s with its nearly half
million customers. However, BIPCO does have a limited net metering policy in place. At the
company’s discretion, customers who request in writing may be allowed to run their meter
backward to gain credit for excess generation. However, the excess can only be credited in the
month in which it occurred. The overall cap on net metering is 2% of the company’s peak load,
and individual systems are capped at 2.5 kW.
A net metering program such as is in place for National Grid could be implemented on Block
Island, but would require a review of the company’s rate structure to ensure that all customers
not be adversely impacted by crediting net metering customers at the retail rate.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 44
BUILDING DESIGN AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Background
State and Local Building and Energy Conservation Codes
As with all communities in the state, building construction activity is guided by the State of
Rhode Island Building Code, which is enforced by the local building official. The State Building
Code is actually the adoption (with minor amendments) of a national building code developed by
the International Code Council (ICC). While the code consists of several divisions, the two
primary codes are one governing the construction of one and two family dwellings (International
Residential Code or IRC) and one governing all other building construction (International
Building Code or IBC). The State Building Code prohibits local governments from
promulgating their own code provisions, even if those modifications may be more stringent.
Effective July 1, 2010, Rhode Island adopted the provisions of the
2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC, a model
energy code published by the ICC) for incorporation into the State
Building Code. Among other things the energy code increased
insulation and air barrier requirements (building envelope
requirements for thermal performance and air leakage) and the
efficiency of new heating and cooling equipment over those levels
contained in the earlier (2006) version of the code. As part of the
State Energy Program funding through the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009, there is an ongoing training program by
the RI Building Code Commission for local building officials and
inspectors. As the IECC regulations are updated and/or made more
stringent in terms of building energy efficiency, these changes are
incorporated into the State of Rhode Island Building Code; the 2009 IECC mandated an energy
efficiency (reduction) of 15% over those levels contained in the 2006 code, and the 2012 IECC
will further mandate an efficiency of 30% over those levels in the 2006 code.
The ICC has also developed an International Green Construction Code (IGCC), with the goal of
reducing the overall impact of the built environment on the natural environment, and on human
health. The IGCC, when adopted by state and local governments, will require enhanced building
performance (siting and construction) in such areas as energy use, water use, and natural
resource and material conservation. The IGCC consists of a number of electives and is
structured so that a jurisdiction can tailor it to address environmental issues of particular concern
to that jurisdiction. Once adopted, the mandatory code is intended to eventually replace
voluntary green building programs and rating systems such as LEED (see below). The State of
Rhode Island is on schedule to incorporate the IGCC by making use of eight out of a total of
fourteen electives dealing with various site development and land use issues, waste material re-
use and reporting requirements. However, these additional green building standards will only
apply to state and municipal buildings, and to residential buildings over three stories in height.
Once adopted by the State, however, each municipality can elect to adopt the IGCC and have it
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 45
apply to all commercial buildings in its jurisdiction. The community has the option of selecting
its own electives out of the fourteen contained in the IGCC.
It is important to note that the Rhode Island State Building Code sets minimum standards for the
construction of buildings in order to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the occupants
of those buildings. A building “built to code” is one in which the quality is at the minimum level
one could legally construct. In terms of energy conservation and efficiency, while the State
Building Code does not always require state of the art building design and construction, in
general the code requirements are consistent with current industry standards for energy
efficiency and green buildings.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Program
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a rating program developed and
refined by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). The LEED program assigns points for
various positive energy and environmental features incorporated into a building and its site, and
based upon total points accumulated, assigns a level of “greenness” to the project – Certified,
Silver, Gold or Platinum. There are a number of LEED systems tailored to building types
(LEED for Homes, LEED for Schools, LEED for New Construction, etc). These vary somewhat
but retain an essential core of categories. Within LEED for Homes, for example, are categories
for Site Selection, Site Sustainability, Innovative Design, Materials and Resources, Water
Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Indoor Environmental Quality and Awareness and
Education.
LEED and Energy Use
While most of the categories under LEED have a positive impact on energy conservation and
usage, the relationship between the goals of some categories and their overall energy impacts can
be somewhat removed from each other. For example, the category on Water Efficiency is
focused on preserving water as a resource, and awards points for reducing water usage and
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 46
providing methods for water reuse; it does not specifically award points for reduced pumping
and treatment, which results in an energy savings. In an unusual “reverse” relationship, the
Indoor Environmental Quality category awards points for enhanced ventilation in homes, which,
of course, can increase energy consumption. In this case the expenditure of energy for health
purposes is legitimate and important, but earning the LEED point requires additional energy use.
Under the LEED for Homes category of Energy and Atmosphere, the rating is primarily based on
measures to reduce energy usage and its environmental impact. Points are awarded for the
reduction of energy demands for heating, cooling, lighting, water heating and appliances. Points
are awarded on one of two basic ways. The first is reliance upon an overall HERS (Home
Energy Rating System) score. After the HERS score is calculated, the placement of the project
on the HERS scale determines the LEED points awarded. As an alternative, a project may be
awarded LEED points based upon a detailed analysis of individual building components
(insulation, windows, air sealants, etc). One method or the other must be chosen, as a combined
approach is not permitted. LEED for New Construction offers several options for evaluating
performance based upon either computer modeling or prescriptive measures. LEED for New
Construction is a far more complicated process of building analysis than that required for homes.
LEED for Neighborhood Development
LEED for Neighborhood Development integrates the principles of smart growth, New Urbanism
and green building into the first national rating system for neighborhood design. It was
developed by a partnership of the US Green Building Council with the Congress for the New
Urbanism and the Natural Resources Defense Council. There are a number of credit categories,
which include: smart location and linkage, neighborhood pattern and design, green infrastructure
and buildings, and innovation and design process.
Block Island, with its compact, walkable village, and
commercial, marine and transportation activities
centered around its two harbors, along with the low
density development pattern of the countryside, has a
relatively energy efficient development pattern that
developed naturally over time. The Town has
encouraged planned development districts and the
construction of higher density affordable housing
where the infrastructure can support it. The Town’s
land development and subdivision regulations also
emphasize low impact design.
Building Options for the Future
On Block Island, new building construction is almost always done in excess of code
requirements for energy efficiency because of associated climate-driven (wind load) standards
that mandate greater structural components. This also results in a long term savings in electrical
energy costs to the property owner. In general, the Town should continue to encourage designers
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 47
and property owners to construct to the highest possible standards for conservation and
environmental reasons, as well as for energy cost savings.
LEED is currently the most widely known and accepted rating system for determining the broad
environmental performance and impact of buildings. The LEED program is likely to continue to
evolve and provide the standard for some years to come. However, the process of LEED rating
can be costly; over and above the physical features incorporated into the building, the program
requires registration, documentation, testing and inspection, all of which add cost to a project.
Eventually the LEED rating system will be duplicated by the incorporation of green building
standards in the RI Building Code, as contained in the International Green Construction Code
(IGCC), at least for public buildings and larger residential structures. The LEED for
Neighborhood Development categories, however, can be a useful tool in guiding and evaluating
new land development projects.
Goals
Most of modern energy use is tied to the built environment. There are four goals related to
building design and site development that the Energy Plan endorses:
1. Support and enhance implementation of the International Energy Conservation Code;
2. Encourage voluntary use of the LEED rating system for buildings and site design;
3. Support and encourage use of green building standards; and
4. Encourage and require sustainable land development practices.
Compliance with the International Energy Conservation Code is mandated as part of the State
Building Code and is enforced locally by the Building Official. The LEED rating system should
be encouraged for the design and construction of new homes, major renovations and new
commercial properties. However, LEED is a complex system that adds an initial expense to any
project given certification, and goes beyond issues of direct energy use. As a result, LEED is
more applicable to a reward or incentive system as opposed to regulating minimal performance.
However, the Block Island Planning Board should review the LEED for Neighborhood
Development categories and, where possible, include them in its regulations.
It is the intention of this plan to mandate where possible the highest building design and siting
standards for energy conservation, and provide incentives for exceeding those standards where
practicable.
Implementing Actions
1. Establish incentives for energy efficient construction using the IECC and IGCC standards.
In the construction of new houses and the renovation of, or additions to, existing houses, the
priorities for energy conservation should be as listed below from highest to lowest:
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 48
A high performance building envelope with special attention to air sealing
Insulation values in excess of those required by code,
with strict code enforcement
Selection of high efficiency equipment such as boilers,
water heaters and lighting systems
Non-use of high energy “optional” features such as air
conditioning, irrigation, pools and excess exterior lighting
Effective controls to limit heating during unoccupied
periods (including freeze monitoring and outdoor
temperature resets)
Use of water saving fixtures/gray water systems and rainwater harvesting
Use of building materials in new construction that consist of 30% (or more) of post-
consumer waste, and proper on-site solid waste management
As previously stated, many energy efficiency efforts are, or will be, mandated through the State
Building Code. Other standards will remain optional, at least for residential construction. The
Town should review options and establish incentives to encourage energy and water
conservation steps listed above that are not mandated, or that can achieve a higher level of
energy efficiency than in the code, as well as others. Incentives could include reduced building
permit fees and/or tax incentives. The building permit fee structure could be pro-rated according
to the number of items on a checklist the builder is proposing to include (or not include) in the
design. Another possibility is to set up a local property tax credit program that allows the owner
to recoup the value (or a percentage of the value) of a specific energy saving feature over a given
period.
2. Adopt IGCC standards for use on Block Island.
Once the State incorporates the IGCC standards for state and municipal buildings and all
residential structures over three stories, Block Island has the option to include green building
standards in its own regulations to apply to commercial construction. The Town should review
the electives contained in the IGCC relating to site development and land use, and material and
water resource conservation and efficiency (see Appendix E), and determine what can be applied
to building on the island.
3. Establish incentives and/or requirements for green buildings and neighborhood design
through the town development (zoning and subdivision) regulations.
Development projects that incorporate green building design and efficient neighborhood design,
or “smart growth” strategies, can reduce both energy costs and impacts on the environment. The
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 49
Town should offer incentives to use green building standards in projects otherwise not regulated,
specifically one and two family dwellings. It is recommended the Town use criteria from the
IGCC, LEED and other ratings systems to evaluate development projects and subdivisions in
terms of their sustainability. As part of the development review process, factors such as building
siting to account for environmental factors (solar access, prevailing winds) and voluntary
restrictions on house size and design can be part of the approval of a site or subdivision plan by
the Planning Board.
Site and neighborhood design features are simpler to mandate than building design (governed by
the State Building Code), although their evaluation can be subjective. Such features or criteria
the Planning Board can either require or
encourage include pedestrian access and
connectivity to the village and the ferry,
reduced parking requirements and/or parking
set asides for low emission hybrid and electric
vehicles, minimum densities, mixed use,
public open space and gardens, re-use and
restoration of historic buildings, and energy
efficient buildings. Incentives provided can
be density bonuses or reduced application
fees. It is recommended that a checklist
(modified from the LEED for Neighborhood
Development checklist) be developed in
evaluating a given development proposal.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 50
ENERGY PLAN IMPLEMENTING ACTIONS
KEY:
Responsible Parties
Town Council (TC)
Town Manager (TM)
Town Department: Building/Zoning
Land Use/Planning
Water and Sewer
Board or Commission: Planning Board (PB)
Water District/Sewer District Commission
Taxi Commission
Task Force or Committee: Electric Utility Task Group (EUTG)
Island Energy Plan Committee (IEPC)
Private Organization: Block Island Residents’ Association (BIRA)
Regional/State: Washington County Regional Planning Commission (WCRPC)
RI State Legislature/Representatives for New Shoreham
Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
Private Sector Block Island Power Company (BIPCO)
Transfer Station Operator (TSO)
Other Private Interests
Funding Timeframes
Town On-going
Washington County Short-term; within two years (ST)
State Mid-term; two to ten years (MT)
Federal Long-term; over ten years (LT)
Grant
Private
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 51
Implementing Actions Parties
Responsible
Funding
Options
Timeframe
Electric Power Generation and
Distribution 1. Continue to actively pursue public
non-profit ownership of the power
plant
2. Investigate options for a cost
effective cable to the mainland,
thereby eliminating the need for the
power plant (except as back-up) 3. Make use of alternative energy
technology
4. Supplement the energy supply
with community sized municipal
turbine(s) and additional solar PV 5. Upgrade the capacity of the
electric distribution system 6. Adjust the rate structure and
explore other options to encourage
conservation
TC/EUTG/
BIPCO
TC/EUTG/
BIPCO
TC/EUTG
TC/EUTG/
Other Private
BIPCO/
PUC
TC/EUTG/
PUC/BIPCO
Ratepayers
Grant/
Private/
Ratepayers
Grant/
Private/
Grant/
Private
Ratepayers/
Grant
Ratepayers
MT
MT
Ongoing
MT
MT
ST
Fuel Use
1. Explore the adoption of a town
ordinance that prohibits covenants
restricting the use of on-site
renewables by homeowners
associations
2. Reconsider the establishment of a
jitney serving island visitors during
the summer
TC/Manager
Taxi
Commission/
Other Private
Town
Grant/Private
ST
ST
Solid Waste
1. Adjust the commercial fees for
disposal at the transfer station to
encourage recycling
2. Identify ways to facilitate
recycling
TC/Manager/
TSO
Manager/
Sewer Dept/
Commission
Town
Town
ST
ST
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 52
Solid Waste, cont.
3. Explore the use of other waste
disposal technologies.
4. Consider alternate locations for
the transfer station.
TC/Manager/
TSO
TC/Manager
Town/ Grant
Town/Private
MT
LT
Water Use
1. Offset the energy costs of the
water and sewer plants by
establishing on-site renewables
2. Establish a water conservation
education program
3. Evaluate the feasibility of an on-
island composting demonstration
project using yard waste with sludge
from the treatment plant
4. Pursue a regional composting
facility with other Washington
County communities
Manager/
Water and
Sewer Depts/
Commissions
Water Dept
TC/Manager/
Sewer Dept/
TSO
TC/Manager/
WCRPC
Grant/Town
Town
Town/State/
Grant
Town/Wash
County
ST
ST
MT
MT
Renewable Energy Use
1. Complete a feasibility study for
the establishment of one or more
municipal turbines to connect with
the on-island electrical distribution
system
2. Establish renewable energy
systems at the water and sewer plants
and at all feasible municipal
locations
3. Support biodiesel production by
allowing biodiesel producers to
provide a waste collection bin for
edible oils at the transfer station
4. Encourage use of residential bulk
purchasing for PV and solar hot
water systems
TC/Manager/
EUTG
Manager/
Commissions/
Town Dept.
TC/Manager
TSO
Private/TC
Grant/Town
Grant/Town
Private
Private
ST
ST/MT
ST
ST
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page 53
Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Efforts
1. Complete the town building audits
and make necessary improvements
2. Establish an on-going residential
educational program
TC/WCRPC
TC/BIRA
Grant/Town
State/Private
ST
Ongoing
Local and State Energy
Regulations
1. Amend the zoning ordinance to
reflect current technology for
individual and utility WECS
2. Amend zoning and other town
ordinances with respect to
renewables, as needed
3. Establish net metering
requirements that apply to Block
Island
TC/PB/
Planning Dept
TC/PB/
Planning Dept
TC/EUTG/ BIPCO/PUC/ Legislature
Town
Town
NA
ST
ST
ST
Building Design and Sustainable
Development 1. Establish incentives for energy
efficient construction using the IECC
and IGCC standards 2. Adopt IGCC standards for use on
Block Island 3. Establish incentives for green
buildings through the town
development (zoning and
subdivision) regulations
TC/Manager/ Bldg/Zoning Dept TC/Bldg Dept
TC/PB/ Bldg/Zoning and Planning
Depts
Town
Town
Town
ST
ST
ST
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page A - 1
Energy Component to the New Shoreham Comprehensive Plan
APPENDICES
Appendix A
Block Island Electric Rates January 2008 – December 2009
Appendix B
EUTG Analysis of Public Ownership of BI Power Company (January 2008 PowerPoint
Presentation)
Appendix C
Summary of Gasification Technology
Appendix D
Town of New Shoreham Electrical Energy Use and Cost FY 2009 – FY 2011
Appendix E
International Green Construction Code Electives
APPENDIX A
BLOCK ISLAND ELECTRIC RATES JANUARY 2008 – DECEMBER 2009
Block Island Residential Electric Rates, 2008 – 2009
Electricity Charge Electricity Charge
Month Cents per kWh* Month Cents per kWh*
Jan 08 34.23 Jan 09 24.92
Feb 08 33.57 Feb 09 21.15
Mar 08 34.55 Mar 09 23.90
Apr 08 40.59 Apr 09 23.32
May 08 40.20 May 09 24.10
Jun 08 61.07 Jun 09 41.37
Jul 08 62.18 Jul 09 41.55
Aug 08 56.77 Aug 09 43.68
Sep 08 54.18 Sep 09 42.40
Oct 08 37.57 Oct 09 27.42
Nov 08 32.99 Nov 09 30.24
Dec 08 29.99 Dec 09 29.99
* Total charge for electricity includes all customer, energy and fuel charges
Source: Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page A - 2
APPENDIX B
EUTG ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OF BI POWER COMPANY
POWER POINT PRESENTATION
Recommendations on the
Future of Electricity for Block
Island
Report by:
Town of New Shoreham Electric Utility Generation Task Group
January 9, 2008
1
The Town of New Shoreham’s leadership is needed to align
the interests of electricity producers and consumers on Block
Island We propose the Town support the following course of action:
Support the process of acquiring BIPCo’s generation and distribution assets by appointing representatives to discuss with BIPCo the possibility of their being acquired consistent with current rate projections
Support the establishment of an organization that would own the assets and operate the acquired company. The new organization would be mandated to:
Improve current operations,
Upgrade the distribution system
Encourage cost-effective, diversified, sustainable generation using wind, solar and other means
Embark on an energy conservation program supported by reinstating the $0.01/kWh summer surcharge
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page A - 3
2
Why should the Town facilitate the acquisition of BIPCo
generation and distribution assets?
Block Island’s electricity rates are already among the highest in the country and
BIPCo has not implemented lower-cost generation technologies. Only fundamental
change in ownership will align the utility with the public interest. Without a change,
costs will continue to increase.
Block Island will remain solely dependent on its own electricity resources for the
foreseeable future:
Block Island-only cable is impractical
Off-shore wind and wave projects with cable connection are years away, at
best
Current reliance on diesel generation exposes ratepayers to oil price
shocks
Public ownership of the generation and distribution assets is important:
Siting for new generation
Costs and benefits for future investments
Choosing technologies that lower economic and environmental risks
3
Under the current ownership structure, electricity rates will continue to increase
because the company’s incentives are not aligned with community needs, causing
additional economic and environmental harm to Block Island:
No incentive to promote conservation
No incentive to increase system efficiency
No incentive for substantial movement away from oil and oil price
fluctuations
Growing likelihood that customers will choose to generate their own
electricity, potentially increasing pollution and raising costs for the
remaining rate payers
Why should the Town facilitate the acquisition of BIPCO
generation and distribution assets? (Continued)
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page A - 4
4
Ratepayer and community control will focus on reducing
electricity costs, sustainable generation and conservation
As a “for profit” regulated monopoly, BIPCo has little incentive to pursue lower cost generation or conservation
Community control links interests of the electric company more closely with community needs:
Changing ownership of BIPCo to a ratepayer owned company will change the incentives
Community/Ratepayer control will refocus to longer-term investments –such as modernizing power generation, reducing costs, and diversifying away from using only diesel generation
5
The purchase price should fairly compensate owners and
must not increase rates
A new organization would acquire BIPCo’s physical generation and distribution
assets, assume operating responsibilities, and defer land issues :
Negotiated price based on economic value of the power company operations
and current payments to shareholders
Valuing the land is deferred
Possible liabilities (environmental, etc.) remain with the land as they are
now
Real value is exceedingly speculative without a firm development proposal
Resolution of land value and its allocation is likely to be contentious
Stock purchase of BIPCo (all assets and all liabilities) is not practical without
resolving land valuation and potential environmental liabilities
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page A - 5
6
Purchasing BIPCo alone will not change rates materially;
changing the way it is operated will
Lowering rates requires changing current costs which are:
Generation (fuel and associated charges) ~$.20/kWh
Operations & financing ~$.20/kWh
Sustainable generation investments will lower the generation component of
electricity:
PV $.18/kWh ($.02/kWh savings).
Wind $.08/kWh ($.12/kWh savings).
Co-gen $.16/kWh ($.04/kWh savings).
PV and Wind are insensitive to oil supply disruption and price increases
Distribution system upgrades will improve efficiency and reduce losses,
reducing generating costs by 2.0 cents/kWh
7
Purchasing BIPCo alone will not change rates materially;
changing the way it is operated will (Continued)
Operating costs will be reduced
Increased conservation efforts can result in lower ratepayer bills
Implement the HDR long range plan recommendations
Change the design of rates to reflect actual costs and to promote
conservation
Actions Cents/kWh
Eliminate Allowed Profit 1.2
Eliminate Income Taxes 0.3
Eliminate Rate Case Expenses 0.6
Eliminate Management Fee, Add Some Support 1.3
Control Legal & Accounting Costs 0.5
Total 3.9
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page A - 6
8
Purchasing BIPCo’s generation and distribution assets could
be financed under an independent structure without using
Town borrowing capacity
New entity would be not for profit, ratepayer controlled with Town representation
on the board. It would not be Town-owned or Town-financed
BIPCo purchase price funding would be obtained by the new entity
Financing funded through existing cash flow (estimated at $.015-.$02/kWh)
Existing debt would remain in place
Principally through Rural Utilities Service (RUS) at attractive rates
Investments in the new company can be funded by:
Additional loans and grants from RUS
Outside investors in alternative generation
Sale of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
9
The Town should initiate the acquisition process
Appoint representatives to begin preliminary discussions with BIPCo
Authorize expenditures for legal advice regarding what type of organization
should be formed to own the acquired assets, and for assistance during the
initial acquisition phases:
Technical assistance and some funding may be available from other
organizations
Legal fees can be reimbursed to the Town when a transaction occurs
Create the new organization
Form will depend upon legal issues and whether it is designed for
acquired power company assets or alternative generation assets
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page A - 7
10
As an alternative if the acquisition of BIPCo cannot be
negotiated, the Town could:
Establish an organization for an independent electricity generation company in
partnership with the Town, cognizant of the Town’s leading interest in a
sustainable supply of electricity for the Town itself, and for Block Island as a
whole
The independent generation company should be given the mandate to reduce
the cost of generating electricity for taxpayers
The independent generation company would sell power to BIPCo for delivery
through the current distribution system and/or displace power supplied by BIPCo
to Town facilities
11
Community ownership can lower operating costs
Change in BIPCo Operations Costs Under New Ownership
Estimated Savings 3.9¢/kWh
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Gen
erat
ion
Ope
ratio
ns
Gen
erat
ion
Maint
enan
ce
Distri
butio
n Ope
ratio
ns
Distri
butio
n M
aint
enan
ce
Cus
tom
er A
ccou
nt
G&A -
Gen
eral
G&A P
rofe
ssiona
l Ser
vice
s
G&A R
egulat
ory
G&A O
wne
rs
Dep
reciat
ion
Non
-Inco
me
Taxes
Inco
me
Taxes
Allo
wed
Pro
fit
Ce
nts
pe
r kW
h
Adjusted Rate Case Projections
New Ownership
0.3¢/kWh
0.6¢/kWh
1.3¢/kWh
1.2¢/kWh
0.5¢/kWh
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page A - 8
12
BIPCo Sources of Electricity
11.6
9.4
1.6
12.9
0.2
0.5
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
Current System Upgraded Distribution
System
Alternative Generation
Mill
ion
kW
h P
er
Ye
ar
Co-Gen
Photovoltaic
Wind
Diesel Generators
10% Efficiency Improvement
New Grid Connected
Generation
Investing in alternative generation can move away from
diesels
13
BIPCo Fuel Charge
0.18
0.08
0.18
0.16
0.165
0.180
0.200
0.000
0.050
0.100
0.150
0.200
0.250
Current System Upgraded Distribution System Alternative Generation
Cents
per
kW
h Average Fuel Charge
Diesel Generators
Wind
Photovoltaic
Co-Gen
10% Efficiency Improvement New Grid Connected
Generation
Note: Analysis excludes effects of possible tax benefits and other credits for alternative generation
New generation technologies also lower costs
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page A - 9
14
Town-owned or Independent sustainable generation investments will lower
will lower the generation, AND operations/financing components of electricity.
PV $.18/kWh ($.22/kWh savings).
Wind $.08/kWh ($.32/kWh savings).
Co-gen $.16/kWh ($.24/kWh savings).
80 kW Cogeneration
80 kW Solar Electric
660 kW WECS
Installed Cost w/o Grants/Tax Credits, etc. $148,450 $708,200 $2,329,000 After Tax Annual Savings averaged for 20 years $62,860 $41,449 $299,817
Generation Cost averaged for 20 years, $/kWh 0.16 0.18 0.08
BIPCo Rates, $/kWh
Generation 0.27 0.27 0.27
Operations/Financing 0.26 0.26 0.26
Total 0.53 0.53 0.53
15
Town-owned or Independent sustainable generation investments will lower
will lower the generation, AND operations/financing components of electricity.
PV $.18/kWh ($.22/kWh savings).
Wind $.08/kWh ($.32/kWh savings).
Co-gen $.16/kWh ($.24/kWh savings).
80 kW Cogeneration
80 kW Solar Electric
660 kW WECS
Installed Cost w/o Grants/Tax Credits, etc. $148,450 $708,200 $2,329,000 After Tax Annual Savings averaged for 20 years $62,860 $41,449 $299,817
Generation Cost averaged for 20 years, $/kWh 0.16 0.18 0.08
BIPCo Rates, $/kWh
Generation 0.27 0.27 0.27
Operations/Financing 0.26 0.26 0.26
Total 0.53 0.53 0.53
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page A - 10
APPENDIX C
SUMMARY OF GASIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
There is, or may be in the future, a possibility to use gasification to dispose of solid waste on
Block Island. Gasification reduces solid waste to a char-type material and produces syngas as a
byproduct. Syngas can be used to power an internal combustion generator to produce electric
power, or can by burned directly for space heating.
Gasification should not be confused with incineration, which is simply the burning of material to
reduce its bulk, resulting in the emission of a great deal of carbon and other pollutants into the
atmosphere. In gasification, almost any organic carbon based material is placed within a sealed
vessel and heated in the absence of oxygen to a very high temperature, at which point a chemical
breakdown occurs and volatile gases are driven out of the material. This gas, called syngas, is
primarily hydrogen and carbon monoxide with other volatile gases. It contains approximately
half the energy density of natural gas. The syngas is captured and some is used to heat the vessel
while the excess is available as a fuel. The solid byproduct of gasification is a primarily carbon
char material as well as some ash, typically 5% of the waste stream by weight. Composition of
this byproduct is dependent upon the composition of the initial feed stock. Small and homemade
gasifiers are often batch type, while larger and commercial units can be continuously fed and
operated.
Currently one company, IST Energy based in Waltham, MA, is working to develop a gasifier of
a scale that may be appropriate for Block Island. This unit will be able to accept feedstock at a
rate of approximately three tons per day – Block Island’s total waste stream is approximately
2,000 to 2,400 tons per year. The unit, a prototype being developed for military use, is contained
within a standard trailer truck body and consists of a hopper into which material is loaded, a
dryer to reduce moisture content, a pelletizer to compress the material into pellets that can be fed
into the gasification chamber, and finally a gas driven generator which runs on syngas as a fuel.
The system can be run continuously except for a four hour weekly maintenance shutdown.
Electrical output varies with different feedstock mixes but ranges from 35 to 40kW. Feedstocks
being tested by IST currently include 35% food waste, 35% plastic, 25% paper goods and 5%
wood, with plastic being the most energy dense of the three materials and food being the least.
Initial cost of the IST unit is estimated at $1,100,000 with a life expectancy of about fifteen
years. There exist several tax incentives available to private entities, but not to municipalities.
In order to capture these incentives a lease arrangement with power purchase would hold
advantages over purchase. The IST unit is in the development stages and the first unit is
expected to be deployed to the military for trial in early 2011. Although gasification is a proven
technology, the IST package type unit is new and it may be advisable to wait for a more proven
unit from IST or another developer. Another possibility is to work with the other communities in
Washington County to set up a regional gasification project.
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page A - 11
APPENDIX D
TOWN OF NEW SHOREHAM ELECTRICAL ENERGY USE AND COSTS
FY 2009 – FY 2011
A breakdown of energy consumption and cost during three recent fiscal years, by various town
accounts, is shown in the following table:
Town of New Shoreham Electrical Energy Use and Cost
FY 09 – FY 11
FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011
Account kWh Cost kWh Cost kWh Cost
BI School 319,360 $119,097 280,320 $ 99,928 289,600 $126,397
Sewer Plant* 175,820 53,559 147,703 47,802 156,202 63,659
Sewer Pumps (4) 11,314 5,718 13,351 5,910 13,072 7,057
Water Company 107,320 48,728 91,520 37,721 87,480 41,848
Library 86,670 36,310 76,716 29,363 84,132 36,520
Town Hall 65,038 27,738 55,998 21,614 43,416 19,889
Old Harbor Dock 34,450 16,889 28,960 12,707 22,040 11,083
Fire Barn 28,320 11,129 25,449 9,688 25,812 11,510
Police Station 13,408 5,683 13,477 5,162 13,821 6,255
Town Street Lights --- 13,564 --- 13,564 --- 13,564
All Other** 44,800 22,082 45,391 20,149 36,581 19,299
Total Town 886,500 $360,497 778,885 $303,608 772,156 $357,081
* This does not include the fuel and operational cost to run the generators at the sewer plant,
which power the plant during the summer season (see page 13)
** State Beach, Coast Guard Station, Rescue Barn, State Garage, Harbormaster
Source: New Shoreham Treasurer
New Shoreham Energy Plan; June 4, 2012 Page A - 12
APPENDIX E
INTERNATIONAL GREEN CONSTRUCTION CODE ELECTIVES
TAKEN FROM TABLE 302.1 OF THE IGCC PUBLIC VERSION 2.0
REQUIREMENTS DETERMINED BY JURISDICTION (Town of New Shoreham)*
CH 4. SITE DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE
Yes / No:
1. Conservation areas
2. Agricultural land
3. Greenfields
4. Stormwater management
5. High occupancy vehicle parking
6. Low emission, hybrid and electric vehicle parking
7. Light pollution control
CH 5. MATERIAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY
If yes, what percentage:
8. Minimum percentage of waste material diverted from landfills 50% / 65% / 75%
CH 6. ENERGY CONSERVATION AND EARTH ATMOSPHERIC QUALITY
Yes / No:
9. Total annual CO2e emissions limits and reporting
10. Post certificate of occupancy zEPI**, energy demand, and CO2e emissions reporting
CH 7. WATER RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND EFFICICENCY
Yes / No:
11. Enhanced plumbing fixture and fitting flow rate tier
12. Municipal reclaimed water
CH 9. COMMISSIONING, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Yes / No:
13. Periodic reporting
CH 10. EXISTING BUILDINGS
Yes / No:
14. Evaluation of existing buildings
* The Town would select among any of the above 14 electives which are not part of the basic
mandatory requirements of the International Green Construction Code
** zEPI = Zero Energy Performance Index, the ratio of the energy performance of the rated
building to the average energy consumption of a similar building at the turn of the millennium
that is operated in a similar climate and under similar conditions.